Thread for the Lords of Sin PBP.
The strange lot of recruits have been gathered and are waiting for an officer to arrive and give them their orders.
The aloof elf surveys the room quietly, raising an eyebrow at the motley group of... people present. She steps forward into the center of the room and with a still but noticeable voice, addresses those present.
"So.... it seems the Lord Mayor has need of our... special skills. I am Ilantes Merblaem of Saelyvwen in the Mierani Forest, and though older than you all, I am done great honor to be among you."
The thin Shoanti continues to lean against the wall, his expression still unchanging. "So it appears. I am Galstak The Hawk, of the Tamiir-Quah."
The thin Shoanti continues to lean against the wall, his expression still unchanging. "So it appears. I am Galstak The Hawk, of the Tamiir-Quah."
The elf smiles cordially, bowing a little to the Shoanti tribesman.
"Yes, the Wind Clan. We have traded with your people. Tell me, does Gurlek -"
Ilantes pauses, thinking for a moment.
"No, that would have been forty years ago, by your reckoning."
The elf looks down a little sadly.
EDIT:
She smiles again though, looking back up.
"Ah well. It is no matter. I am pleased to walk with a windbrother once more."
The hulking warforged marched with heavy steps into the Lord-Mayors office and with a voice reminiscent of iron grating on stone announces, “I am Sergeant, creation of the Mage-Wright Trasen Ulfin. I am to fulfill Trasen Ulfin’s debt to the City of Magnimar for his crimes of destruction of public and private property.” After the brief statement Sergeant stands to attention and remains silent and still as a statue the only sign of ‘life’ are the two glowing red embers looking out from deep within his helmeted visage.
The lamp light reflects dully off Sergeant’s adamantine carapace as he begins to assess the most efficient way to kill the inhabitants of the office, if called upon to do so.
The gruff dwarf with a fiery red beard stands in the corner ignoring the prater of elves. When the warforged enters the room he perks up. He walks very close to the warforged and circles around making an obvious inspection.
"So this is the new model. Very impressive. It will be a pleasure working with you; I'm Ulm."
The hulking warforged marched with heavy steps into the Lord-Mayors office and with a voice reminiscent of iron grating on stone announces, “I am Sergeant, creation of the Mage-Wright Trasen Ulfin. I am to fulfill Trasen Ulfin’s debt to the City of Magnimar for his crimes of destruction of public and private property.” After the brief statement Sergeant stands to attention and remains silent and still as a statue the only sign of ‘life’ are the two glowing red embers looking out from deep within his helmeted visage.
The lamp light reflects dully off Sergeant’s adamantine carapace as he begins to assess the most efficient way to kill the inhabitants of the office, if called upon to do so.
Ilantes' eyes widen at the heavy stomping steps of the great machine.
She also notices the fiery-haired dwarf stand and approach the thing.
"Greetings to you as well, machine-man and noble dwarf."
The dwarf turns to look at the elf, as if he's truly noticing her for the first time. The longsword at her side catches his gaze.
"Greeings elf. I see you carry a blade, that is good. Elven swords are so lightly constructed, might I have the honor of seeing yours?"
Sergeant gives a brief nod the dwarf and in his grating voice states "Comrade Ulm, as long as I am functioning no harm shall befall you unless otherwise commanded by the Lord-Mayor". Turning his head to face Ilantes, " I am not man , I am better. If you are also a comrade than I shall protect your flesh as well".
Ulm gives a quick nod to the warforged and smiles.
"Excellent Sergeant. I can help fix you up should you sustain any damage. I think we'll work well together."
"I am skilled in repairing myself but the aid of a master-smith will significantly decrease the time needed to return to full functionality".
The dwarf turns to look at the elf, as if he's truly noticing her for the first time. The longsword at her side catches his gaze.
"Greeings elf. I see you carry a blade, that is good. Elven swords are so lightly constructed, might I have the honor of seeing yours?"
Ilantes looked down at her blade.
"This old thing? It is not of very high quality. Just standard elven make. I've been meaning to purchase a better one."
Nevertheless, she slowly draws her blade and presents it to the dwarf.
Sergeant gives a brief nod the dwarf and in his grating voice states "Comrade Ulm, as long as I am functioning no harm shall befall you unless otherwise commanded by the Lord-Mayor". Turning his head to face Ilantes, " I am not man , I am better. If you are also a comrade than I shall protect your flesh as well".
The elf is thoughtful for a moment.
"You must forgive my ignorance. Though I have been in this city for a while, I have not seen one such as yourself. Constructs.... are not something that we elves are used to."
Ulm studies the blade for a few moments before giving a quick nod of satisfaction.
"It will do. It is rare to fight without a crossguard, you must be quite skilled. When we have the time, I may be able to forge a better blade for you."
Before the rest of the group gets a chance to introduce themselves, a stern looking male human marches in. Some of you who have been a members of the Magnimar forces for a while recognize him as the chief military commander of the city.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: “All right, sit down. As I am sure you are all aware, I am Commander Odinburge. You individuals have been chosen for an important mission due to your ‘unique’ gifts. Two days march along the coast is the town of Sandpoint. This town in the last few years has had some strange occurrences and has been requesting a contingent of Warders to be stationed in the town to help deal with unusual happenings. This will be your ultimate destination and you will use your ‘talents’ to aid this town.
Yet before you are to report there, the Lord-Mayor has requested that you be sent a week’s march East to the valley town of Kirsvald. Evidently the Lord-Mayor has had a special relationship with the rulers of this town, the Staufen family, and he is concerned with some of the rumors coming out of the area. Trade through the area has almost stopped completely. Those that get through tell stories of attacks on people and of the people in unrest. His Lord-Mayorship would like you to go there and see what aid you can give to help make the situation better.”
Odinburge then gives out a brooch to each of you. These brooches are official badges of office and are decorated with the symbols of the city of Magnimar.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: ”As Warders you will have freedom to act in the interest of Magnimar. But of course as representatives of the city you will be expected to act appropriately. Please work with the local authorities as much as possible. If you have any questions, I am willing to answer them, otherwise you should get your gear and head out. You have a long week’s worth of marching to do before you get to Kirsvald.”
Ulm stands and salutes the commander.
"Ulmar Firgun, ready for duty. Who will be the ranking squad leader?"
Ulm stands and salutes the commander.
"Ulmar Firgun, ready for duty. Who will be the ranking squad leader?"
The elf quickly sheathes her blade as she steps next to the eager dwarf.
"Doesn't the sergeant already have a position of command?" Ilantes gestures towards the tall warforged. "It would seem obvious."
Having been waiting unnoticed in the back corner, Juko accepts the brooch silently, keeping his face hidden within his hood. He reaches for his staff and leans against it, waiting for departure.
Ulm gives a brief shrug.
"Sergeant in a household guard does not necessarily translate into rank with the warders. Certainly his experience makes him a likely candidate though. An official appointment from the commander is important to maintain the proper chain of command."
The Commander looks over at the warforge as if considering. And then a smile cracks his otherwise harden face for an instant.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "I wonder if that was why Master Ulfin gave him that designation. He did seem a bit put out about having to make ammends as I remember. It would fit his humor to give a designation that is also a rank."
He seems to be half-speaking to himself. And then turning back to the group as if waking up.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "You all will have the official rank of Corporal in the Magnimar forces, which puts you above the lowest troops. But as Warders you will act outside of the traditional chain of command in most cases. You are ultimately only answerable to myself and the Lord-Mayor, though you are required to obey the orders of superior officers if they do not interfer with your goal of protecting Magnimar.
Officially you are all the same rank and thus none have superiority over another, but seeing as how I have no officers to send with you, I guess I must assign one of you to make the final decisions when there is not concensus. Let's see ..."
He starts to look over each of you as if taking your measure. He spends almost no time looking at the warforge, the gnome, or the Shoanti, as if such consideration was ridiculous. His eyes keep coming back to the elf and the dwarf. Finally he turns to the dwarf.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "As I understand it you are a magician. I think you shall have the final authority with in the group to decide on the course of action when a concensus can not be reached within the group. But in most cases the majority of your group should decide."
The Commander looks over at the warforge as if considering. And then a smile cracks his otherwise harden face for an instant.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "I wonder if that was why Master Ulfin gave him that designation. He did seem a bit put out about having to make ammends as I remember. It would fit his humor to give a designation that is also a rank."
He seems to be half-speaking to himself. And then turning back to the group as if waking up.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "You all will have the official rank of Corporal in the Magnimar forces, which puts you above the lowest troops. But as Warders you will act outside of the traditional chain of command in most cases. You are ultimately only answerable to myself and the Lord-Mayor, though you are required to obey the orders of superior officers if they do not interfer with your goal of protecting Magnimar.
Officially you are all the same rank and thus none have superiority over another, but seeing as how I have no officers to send with you, I guess I must assign one of you to make the final decisions when there is not concensus. Let's see ..."
He starts to look over each of you as if taking your measure. He spends almost no time looking at the warforge, the gnome, or the Shoanti, as if such consideration was ridiculous. His eyes keep coming back to the elf and the dwarf. Finally he turns to the dwarf.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "As I understand it you are a magician. I think you shall have the final authority with in the group to decide on the course of action when a concensus can not be reached within the group. But in most cases the majority of your group should decide."
"I am only Sergeant now, when I earn my spikes I will First Sergeant. Master Ulfin did not say when that is to occur", Sergeant blurts out, unaware of the humor of his name being a higher rank than his rank. Sergeant then affixes the badge into the docent hollow in his chest so the badge becomes part of his carapace visible all to see.
"The spirits are displeased, then." Galstak begins to walk towards the door. "Come now. We have no time to waste."
"The spirits are displeased, then." Galstak begins to walk towards the door. "Come now. We have no time to waste."
Tapping his staff on the floor once, Juko follows Galstak.
Sergeant glances at Ulm, "Orders".
Ulm salutes the commander one last time. He turns to the warforged.
"Everything is in order then, let's move out."
Ilantes affixes the brooch to the lapel of her silk shirt, edging out over her black leather armor, then makes a sweeping bow to Commander Odinburge as she notices the rest of the party moving swiftly to the door.
She notes with some humor, "The young races are always in a hurry." She raises an eyebrow to the Commander. "Have we been dismissed? We might have some questions. Surely we can rest our heels, as I for one would like to know more about what to expect before we encounter it."
She looks back over her shoulder at the evacuating party and makes a shrill whistling sound. "While I could likely easily find the way on my own, I think we should stay together and ask some questions to the Commander."
The Commander motions for Ilantes to follow the others.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "I will accompany you Corporal as your group prepares to leave the compound. If you have more questions we can answer them on the way."
The Commander motions for the group to head towards the carriage house.
ooc: bad timing
Ulm stops at the door and waits for the elf.
"Come on, ask your questions on the way."
Sergeant heads out in a steady pace.
Ilantes follows the party, grateful when the commander is true to his word and steps along beside them.
"In the interest of brevity, Commander, I will put aside the formalities of my training, and ask my questions as directly and succinctly as possible."
"Roughly, what type of town is Sandpoint? Its population, its governance, its commerce? Is there further information regarding the town itself that we might need in our mission? Will we have difficulties with the local authorities or can we expect full or partial cooperation?"
"Secondly, you claim that the people of Sandpoint have complained about strange occurences. What type of occurences are we dealing with? Are they likely to be magical or more mundane in nature?"
"Third, it would be good to know the rumors that are upsetting the Staufen family and the Lord-Mayor himself. If we are being asked to deal with these rumors, a more thorough explanation may be warranted."
Ilantes voice is clipped, but certain. Her eyebrows raise and fall rhythmically with the questions and her walking pattern.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "Sandpoint is a small sized town, only a little over one-thousand residents in and around it. Most of the residents are Chelaxian, though there are a fair number of Varisians and even a few Shoanti if I remember right. I am not sure of all their commerce, it is a port town, so no doubt there is some trade there. I also remember hearing about a glassworks that is suppose to be quite excellent. As for the authorities, as I said earlier they have requested a contingent of Warders, so no doubt they will be helpful enough. Though as always, you don't want to go stepping on toes and getting mixed up in mundane matters that are better left to be handled by the local constable.
As for the strange occurances, I don't know of any recently. Five years ago a local artist apparently went crazy and began killing people, until he was found out and killed by the local authorities. Shortly after the murder was stopped, the local church burnt down taking several other buildings with it. The local authorities felt these were signs that they should be better prepared to deal with unusually situations and thus asked for the Warders. Of course only now that we have been able to work out the funds and personnel are we able to send your group. Most likely it will be a pretty boring position, I doubt there is anything seriously strange occuring there.
As to Kirsvald. Well it is more the lack of details and rumors that is probably the most upsetting to the Lord-Mayor. He apparently has had no news from his friend Valdric Staufen, Lord of the Kirsvald, for a few years. Even letters from the Lord-Mayor to Lord Staufen have gone unanswered. What rumors we have heard are unbelievable. Villagers being murdered by guards. Villagers staging riots. Trade has become a trickle through the area, with most merchants go out of their way to avoid the area entirely. Without any real clear threat, we can't justify sending a full military force there, so we hope that you might be able to determine what is going on and offer aid if it is needed to set things right. Or learn that there is no problem and send a message back letting us know what is going on."
Waiting outside of the carriage house you find a wagon with two mules hitched to it. Inside the wagon looks like quite a few supplies. A stablehand is holding the reins waiting patiently. A priest of Abadar, God of cities, waits as well.
Ilantes is silent as she files away the information in her memory.
Having reached the carriage house, she takes a quick look at the supplies in the wagon and notices the priest. She waits to see if any introductions will be made.
Frowning inwardly as he notices the priest of the City God, Juko seems to relax a bit as he talks to the mules, telling them he is grateful for their help and he will be sure to get them sweet things to eat when he can.
Frowning inwardly as he notices the priest of the City God, Juko seems to relax a bit as he talks to the mules, telling them he is grateful for their help and he will be sure to get them sweet things to eat when he can.
Ilantes notices the cloaked small and silent.... gnome? murmuring something to the mules. She strains her ears in an attempt to make out the language but realizes it's not one she's familiar with, though the syllables are calming. She wonders what she can say to breach the silence between them as she quietly approaches the mules and the gnome.
"Eyavain liguanel myrh?"
"Eyavain liguanel myrh?"
"Colath elar chel. Felyt dopl fyter."
Elven
Ilantes looks up, wondering if anyone else has noticed their conversation, then turns back to her shorter companion.
"Igamveliel felytari selan, an le turan."
"Celan sidashtha merminol dryade nymph."
Ilantes places a hand on her chest.
"Letarim, hanasgremil. Ilantes"
"Koroth Juko."
"Duryt koroth si hanasgremil, ferisio. Sher toth?"
Ilantes puts a hand on the pommel of her blade, lifting it a little from its sheath, then putting it back again.
"Ectharin garisth mur lagon - Imladrith"
Ilantes puts a hand on the pommel of her blade, lifting it a little from its sheath, then putting it back again.
"Ectharin garisth mur lagon - Imladrith"
** spoiler omitted **
"Ko swa onu todl ko'd keam a imladrith mur lithgs llisk. Ko dha so misy to tned dyo sokyth."
Ilantes laughs, but not unkindly.
"Agreviel demantes lethunia imladrith, se dalan minith calypia"
Ulm carefully examines the supplies in the wagon, completely unaware of auxiliary conversations. Once he is satisfied with the contents he takes a seat inside the carriage.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "As you can see there are the supplies needed to settle you in to Sandpoint. Bedding supplies, extra outfits, and the like. There should be more than enough rations and feed for the mules to get you to Kirsvald and back to Sandpoint. Of course, you could choose to use the wagon to pose as merchants and not reveal your status as Warders. Personally, I have found honesty to have always served me well, but you may have different perspectives.”
The Commander then turns to the priest standing near by.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "Brother David, were able to bring the items I requested?”
Brother David: ”Yes Commander. I have brought the holy jellies you wanted.”
After a motion from the Commander, the priest moves around handing each of the party members an item that looked similar to a large gumdrop. A symbol of Abadar was impressed on each of them.
Brother David: ”These jellies are not candies. They are instead healing agents. Should you or someone else be lightly injured, the person need only eat one of these and the healing power of Abadar will make you better. The sugary coating will keep these fresh for quite a while and will make the eating of them easier as I’m afraid the actual healing juice is a bit sour.”
Sergeant begins to step into one of the carts buts stops when he hears the wood groaning under his weight. He looks to the others then back to the cart, "I shall walk", he states as he steps away from the cart.
Ilantes laughs, but not unkindly.
"Agreviel demantes lethunia imladrith, se dalan minith calypia"
Elven:It takes great patience to become a Duskblade, but from what I've seen you have that already.
This draws a laugh from the usually silent gnome.
"Dayru, Ilantes. Dayru."
Accepting the jelly with only a hint of reluctance, Juko listens to the explanation to their true nature, and nods to the priest(again with reluctance). He takes his place on one of the carriages, and stares in the direction of his beloved forest...
Ilantes accepts the royal jelly... err, I mean holy jelly and places it in the sachel hanging from her belt.
Commander Ismeir Odinburge: "Well if there are no more questions. You should probably head out."
If there are no more questions for the Commander, he strides away giving a sign that the gates of the compound should open allowing the wagon to leave. The stablehand will give the reins to whom ever wishs to drive the wagon and returns to the carriage house. The priest leaves when the Commander does, heading in a different direction.
Ulm salutes the commander. He turns to his companions and motions them into the carriage.
"Let's head out."
From her vantage point on the wagon/carriage, Ilantes can see the confusion in the young stablehand's eyes. She looks around at her companions, wondering who would be most suited to take the reins.
"Juco, it seems you have already made friends with these delightful beauties. Perhaps you can ask them to take us where we need to go?"