the short speech seems to have an effect on the masses in different ways. the militia from cheliax are clapping, thumping shields, and hollering praise and blessings onto the lord general. the varisians on the other hand, seem a little shocked at the mans frank nature, and look about the militia with strange looks. Many of the varisians are muttering various things, this better work and this guy is in charge of the expedition? and the most spoken who in the 9 hells is this guy?
Tired of sitting around, Arbot is happy that someone is finally taking charge and setting the expedition in motion. Being part of the Varisian militia, he doesn't know much about the Cheliax nobles or their ways and traditions... but he find it comforting that the man is so frank and direct. He gladly raises his arms and hollers a cheer at the end of the man's speech. As a scout, his charge will be to survey the terrain ahead of the expedition or to ensure that the stragglers find their way to join the main group. In either case, he waits for his orders patiently.
If any of the other Varisian militiamen in his unit grumble about working with this guy or say anything derogatory about the people from Cheliax: "They are not our enemy! I don't like them any more than you do, but if we are to survive out here, we will need to work together. You know this as well as I do. So quit your muttering and man up!"
Lukas leans his chin on his hands as he listens to the nobles speech, habitually tracing the flowing tattooed script running down the side of his face. He stands up straight and looks over at the ranger who spoke, taking a drag off of his pipe before quietly replying:
I've no troubles with the people of Cheliax, it is they who seem to have the problem with us! They treat us like peasants, throw us in jails for simply walking through their streets, and then when the going gets tough and they need someone to lead their petty nobles through the wilds who do they hire? Us. Varisians. Nay, i've no problems with them at all.
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"I personally have no issues with Varisians... As long as they Obey the Law.. People tend to forget that Cheliax was once a great Nation along the lines of long lost azlant. The Nobles don't Forget, which is why they tend to look down their noses at folk. Pay them no Mind, Let us Focus on our Journy"
These words do not move me- my heart is a cold hearth. Perhaps in time, in the new place, that will change.
Wait and see, gentlemen. The future will bring what comes. Pray to whoever you may that the cost of that future is one you can afford.
I return to collecting the personal goods I still need, leaving the other expedition members to their amusements.
"I personally have no issues with Varisians... As long as they Obey the Law.. People tend to forget that Cheliax was once a great Nation along the lines of long lost azlant. The Nobles don't Forget, which is why they tend to look down their noses at folk. Pay them no Mind, Let us Focus on our Journy"
Lukas chuckles And whose to say their law is correct? But that's another, longer discussion. How long till we venture off? I fear roots may sprout off my boots if we dally here any longer!"
As the clamor following the Lord generals speach quiets. One person clapping can still be heard. Hard, cold, and occasionally vertically slitted eyes scan the crowd and settle on one soldier.
He is tall, handsome, clearly a Chelaxian noble, equally clearly drunk. He is not wearing the ornate arnor or finery of the other nobles but he is also not quite wearing the uniform of the expidition. His claps continue, echoing through the now silent Chelaxian contingent....Clap
....Clap
....Clap
another chelaxian, not nearly as noble looking, but nontheless a noble, starts to talk with a flowering voice
people, hear me! tomorrow morn we shall load up the ships and make ready to sail. The lord general has also devised a plan to ensure proper dispertion of chelaxian and varisian folks; a means to encourage comradery and partnership. please take a moment and file past the arranged tables and get your chit. each chit has a number on it. Further out in the fields you will see massive posts driven into the ground with a large number on it. Go to your assigned number and meet your fellow cohabitants. these are the people you will be bunking with on the ships to the north, and you all will share the same dwelling once we make landfall. Be friendly, for your success depends on each other in the group.
with that he steps down.
the formations disperse and start to filter to the tables and then on to the sign posts.
With a shrug, Arbot makes his way towards the tables to get his chit and heads towards the signpost once he obtains it. He habitually scans the landscape for anything that appears out of the ordinary (Perception if needed).
Lukas hefts up his pack and blade before grabbing his chit, smoking his pipe as he wanders over to his signpost.
Alfonso sobers up suspiciously quickly when he sees the militiamen.
He bows deeply to the servant.
"Of course, my good man. We would not want to keep the Lord General waiting."
As they walk towards the command tent the dispertion begins. Alfonso glances at the guards following them and smiles.
"Looks like my chit has already been selected." he says with a smile.
As they walk Alfonso produces a stiff brush from his coat and makes some rapid and suprisingly effective repairs to his appearence. He checks the position of his dagger and wand as does so.
With a look around at the dispersing men, Jacek straightens the collar on his armor and sets his cloak to drape properly. He struts up to the table, takes his chit, and with a glance at it, walks over to the appropriate pole while looking very bored.
He scans the faces of those approaching the same post as he stands there, paying particular attention to those who seem most comfortable with the weapons they are wearing or carrying.
I join the line, figuring I can finish gearing up after meeting my new room-mates. Maybe we can overlap on goods or something.
I feel a little strange- I haven't shared space with others since the fire. I've worked with them, trained with them, but not lived with anyone. I can see the wisdom in the idea, though.
speaking to the people I meet at my number,
I'm Pallo. Good to meet you.
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Dagaard walks rigidly over and collects his Chit, then slowly walks to his Area. He unslings his Massive 2 handed Morning Star, planting its head on the ground, and placing both hands on the bottom of the handle, Bows his head and says a Small Prayer.
"Torag... Lend us your Protection on our journey"
He then Traces a Claw like Symbol over his Chest, and replaces his Weapon.
" Hail, and Greetings Pallo. I am Dagaard. What brings you upon this Quest?"
The first ones to arrive at sign post number 393 all appear to be militia in nature.
first one there is definitly the fighting type. a greatsword strapped to his back, and a crossbow and quiver hanging from his belt, he looks like he is ready to do anything. a slight haze of smoke coming from his pipe partially obscures his face.
Next is a man who looks like he keeps a keen eye on appearence. colar set just so, hair slicked back, rapier in holster properly balanced for optimum draw, and a vicious looking dagger strapped to his leg, this man moves with a fluid grace that one usually sees in elves.
After a brief moment in time, a shaggedy haired guy walks up, eyes darting to and fro, taking in all the action, observing. he definitly looks like the woodsy type.
Seeing the others approach Lukas nods his head in acknowledgement. Morning fellows, looks as though we're to serve side by side in this venture. I am Lukas Kaine, swordsmen, grifter, and general miscreant now in the service of Cheliax;not a position I'd of thought to find myself in a few years ago mind you, but as they say Desna's road takes strange curves
" Hail, and Greetings Pallo. I am Dagaard. What brings you upon this Quest?"
Burning curiousity.
"Lo there! I am Arbot of Varisia, and I am what I look like. Our militia is not quite as well armed or well trained as you Cheliax boys, but I'll bet we'll get our chance to show you how it's done!"
He gives Lukas and whoever else is there by now a sly smile.
"In any case, hope you're all ready for quite the trip, the stories I've heard about this place we're going to don't sound pretty!"
pallo and dagaard, you both run into each other just short of the post, accidentally dropping your chits onto the ground. when you pick them up, you both realize that you have the same numbers. you both start talking as you approach the post and hear arbot talking...
"Lo there! I am Arbot of Varisia, and I am what I look like. Our militia is not quite as well armed or well trained as you Cheliax boys, but I'll bet we'll get our chance to show you how it's done!"
Lukas lets out a hearty laugh at the comment. Cheliax boys? You insult me! Nay I am born of the wilds and the roads of lovely Varisia much as yourself! Though I think the former owner of the this blade was a Chelaxian..."
In any case I still say we head south! But the road leads where it does. With good company and the promise of coin the journey shan't be too terrible I think.
Any word on where we store our gear?
Do you suppose they'll supply us with tents and such? I'm new to living in the wilderness, so if there's any advice you could share, I'd welcome it.
"Tents? I was under the impression there would be inns...." Seeing the expressions on the faces of the others Jacek trails off and finishes in a mutter, something about fathers and Hell.
"Ah well, it will be an adventure, no? I am Jacek Varilion.... yes, those Varilions..." Again, he notices that no one seems to recognize the name and his words trail off.
"Right, the frontier and all. At any rate, I suppose we can be informal here. Just call me Jacek."
varilion? jacek varilion!? you hear a shout bellow out from behind your sign post. glancing behind the post you see a well figured woman walking towards the post, large backpack on and around her waist a belt with various sized hammers and tongs. jacek varilion! boy, its been a while, hasnt it? its been what 2, 3 years since that time... she lets it trail off as she glances around at the rest of you, looking at each of you with a quizical eye. it takes a moment for you to realize that she isnt checking you out, but your equipment. the morning star, the sword, the armor. she then snaps her gaze back to jacek. now dont tell me you dont remember! it was autumn, we were at the inn, dinner time, you were wearing that dashing suit, and i was in that amazing yellow dress! i was telling you about how i was just apprenticed to the blacksmith... come on! she finishes that statement with a solid punch to jaceks arm. even through the armor, she has a solid punch.
Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?"
Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?"
Lukas sharply inhales his pipe smoke, sputtering out laughter as the woman finishes her story.
Got a few kids looking a bit like you? I could've swarn when I was in Riddleport saw a young lad, had the same eyes as you he did
Arbot laughs heartily.
"Or have you been throwing them to the wolves to cover up your deeds? I remember a lass I found once... she had that pretty face of yours!"
Musing as we walk towards the command tent.
"...what new humiliation will it be this time? The boats are full and I need to walk? Bunking in the crow's nest or the bilge? Or have they finally decided that they can safely remove me. Take a good breath of air Alphie boy. It could be your last."
We near the tent. Alfonso notes the buzzards and crows circling over the camp.
"Oh well, worse should come I'll make someone happy."
Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?"
"Probably because you were looking at my cousin Sophie's red one." The woman shrugs her pack to the ground. "Still, you bought me a drink. That's more than I usually get when she's dancing. Donata Petali." She extends her hand for hand shakes all around. " Looks like the quartermaster, or steward, or whatever they call the fool setting up rooming assignments, botched it and put me in with you lot."
Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?""Probably because you were looking at my cousin Sophie's red one." The woman shrugs her pack to the ground. "Still, you bought me a drink. That's more than I usually get when she's dancing. Donata Petali." She extends her hand for hand shakes all around. " Looks like the quartermaster, or steward, or whatever they call the fool setting up rooming assignments, botched it and put me in with you lot."
Lukas takes the offered hand and slightly bows his head I feel that Desna favors us this day with your presence in our motley lot. My name Lukas Kaine. What brings you North?
Jacek looks thoroughly confused. "The inn, yes, of course. How could I forget your... yellow? yes yellow, dress?""Probably because you were looking at my cousin Sophie's red one." The woman shrugs her pack to the ground. "Still, you bought me a drink. That's more than I usually get when she's dancing. Donata Petali." She extends her hand for hand shakes all around. " Looks like the quartermaster, or steward, or whatever they call the fool setting up rooming assignments, botched it and put me in with you lot."
Jacek bows low over Donata's hand, and offers "Apologies, m'lady. I can't imagine what I was thinking."
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" Its a pleasure to meet you too, Ma'am. We are lucky to have you along"
With that, Dagaard Loses intrest in the conversation, he pulls a Little Book out from his Backpack, and begins to mutter to himselft quietly.
"Above all things....Strive for order....Everyman is a Tyrant.. all must govern themselves... None are truely Innocent..."
Arbot shakes her hand and chuckles.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Arbot. Seems like you'll fit in nicely with a ragtag bunch like this."
Lukas takes the offered hand and slightly bows his head I feel that Desna favors us this day with your presence in our motley lot. My name Lukas Kaine. What brings you North?
"Opportunity. A chance to see someplace new. A place to make my mark. What about you?"
Jacek bows low over Donata's hand, and offers "Apologies, m'lady. I can't imagine what I was thinking."
"If you're like most men watching Sophie, I can imagine exactly what you were thinking. She is a looker."
" Its a pleasure to meet you too, Ma'am. We are lucky to have you along"
"Thanks." Donata notes the man's abrupt loss of interest. Nothing unusual there. She returns her attention of the rest of the group. "So, here we all are. Now what?"
That appears to be the question. With so many of us out here, it may take awhile for whats-his-name to get to us. Since it seems we're to be grouped together for at least the first part of the campaign, let's see if we can organize ourselves somewhat.
I'm a caster, specilizing in Fire. This is the first time I'll be leaving the city? What can you tell about where we're going?
inside the tent, you see it fully furnished. a couple of tables, one with a browned goose with stuffing and veggies layed out for anyone to grab, pitchers with various liquids in them, some steaming, some chilled; the other with 2 chairs set out with plates and goblets.
please, sit sit, enjoy my food. this may be the last time that we family may be able to enjoy each others company he gestures to a seat while he walks around and sits down opposite you.
a few servants come into the tent and ladle food onto your plate. goose, melons, pickles, beans, salad, fish, enough to make a man fat. Having had nothing but meager grubbings from the inns, feel a huge urge to tear into the food, but just barely restrain yourself.
after the food is eaten, and the servants have left, you see lord general alfred pull out two vials. one he drinks, and the other he sets infront of him. you look him in the eye and see that all happyness and joyfulness has left him and has been replaced with the look of a guy who is about full of wrath.
tell me alfonso, why are you really here? What is your purpose? What is your take on all this. convince me, otherwise i shall let the weak poison that is in you now do its job of making you look dead, but, trust me, you will wake up and be fully conscious yet totally helpless in pushing off the crows as the feast on your organs...
everyone else:
an official looking half elven woman comes walking up to the party, quill in hair, and holding a large hard bound book in one hand, and the other carrying a flat piece of wood nailed to a large shaft. She plants the wood thing on her backside and proceeds to sit down on it, showing you that its a portable stool. she cracks open the book on her lap and pulls out the quill. adjusting her position and turning to a fresh page, she begins to write, talking to herself as she does so post number 393. 6 people. names and jobs... she pauses for a moment, and then looks up at daagard first. you there, what is your name, your job, and your business on this trip? she asks with a tone of authority.
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Frowning as he is interupted from his Studies, Dagaard Puts his book away.
" I am Daggard Pyre, Inquisitor, And Armiger* Hellknight to the Order of the GodClaw. I have been assigned to this journey as a test of my skill, and to spread the devotation to Law."
Armiger is the Rank of recruit in the Hellknight orders
The GodClaw is one of their religious orders
“Ah the strawberries are sweet…” He says as he finishes the last of the melon and Mage Hands the remains away. “Beloved Uncle it does my heart, though not perhaps my other organs, good to see you again. I rejoice to see that the standards of noble Cheilax are being maintained here in this foreign wilderness. “ I myself must admit to going terribly native. Why I almost trusted someone the other day, and I came to dine with the House of Thrune without a drop of anti-toxin on my person. I am going completely to seed.
As uncle’s anger grows at the flippancy.
Alfred, Alfred, Alfred you really tried to be subtle this time didn’t you. <shakes head, smiling with pity> You just don’t have it in you you know. You are too ostentatious, too dramatic. I mean look at your armor, and that speech. Your strength, if I may say so, lies in direct action rather than in political maneuvering. Not that I do not appreciate the effort, this was a really wonderful meal, and the bit with the bottles is a classic. What is more I really appreciating you stretching yourself like this on my behalf. I mean you could simply have beaten the information out of me or simply had me killed as a precaution.
Just before he blows his top.
But do you think for a moment that I know anything? Of course a game is being played, this is Cheliax, a game is always being played. I am no doubt here for some reason, if such a word can be applied to my father’s thought processes, but he is not likely to tell me is he? To him I am at best, an expendable pawn. Now, because you asked so nicely, and remembered how much I love candied walnuts, I will tell you why I am here. I am here to get away. I am through with the abuse and the parties and the daily round of the cesspit of the Inner Sea.
Like you did when you greeted me they opened a door and I walked through willingly. Yes it is a trap, just as walking into this tent was a trap. Sometimes the only way out of a trap is through. So that is why I am here. Now let us turn to the more interesting question. Why are you here?
We are both pawns in someone’s game, Uncle. You are a much more valuable than I am but we are both ultimately expendable. If you ask me part of the plan is for the expedition to fail, badly. We are all meant to die and it will be made to look like Varasian treachery. That is all our noble lords need to start another war. The crown sits uneasily on Queen Abrogail’s empty head. The houses plot and muter, the hellknights grow restive, General Gorthoklek does not want to lose his meal ticket and so he looks for an outward enemy. Much like the antidote it is a classic ploy. We are to be the heroes who die for Cheilax dear uncle. I would look very carefully at the boats we have been so generously provided.
So are you satisfied dear uncle? Have I sung enough for my supper? Do I leave here, innocent, without a stain upon my character? Or do we send the candied walnuts to be enjoyed by the crows?
lord general alfred looks irate. at some points he is about ready to blow his top, others he scowls.i see now why my dear twin brother has sent you away, whelp of a demon. But, you are correct. this expedition is, i believe, slated for failure. i am here on this farse of a cruise because i pissed off the queen, well, more like i pissed off her pet pit fiend General Gorthoklek. i am lucky to have these 2000 men with me. 2000, HA! It should be more like 20,000 for us to stand a chance up there. But, like you, i am a resourceful man. he throws you the antidote potion. all BS aside, i didnt invite you in here to kill you, although your father told me i could if i wanted to. i plan to write him telling about how you lucked out and are doing better than ever. thatll piss him off, eh? No, i brought you in because i want to shake things up. Add a little chaos to it all. i need a demon, not a devil, on my side. You are my trump card. No one will suspect you, because aside from this dealing, i wont ever talk to you in the normal sense. Sure, ill have to bring you in and torture you, but that is just to keep up appearences. I will make sure that i do it all myself, so that way you suffer only to a certain extent. yes, i know you want to make some snide remark about all pain, no gain, but, this time, the pain is well worth the reward.
No, i wont tell you the reward. but, i have left an assignment for you. it is in the hands of captain morwhin, but he knows not who belongs to it. He is the captain of the ship neversere. this ship is carrying mostly cattle and horses for the settlement of brinewall. he is to put this into a horses stall named sargento, a mean spirited war horse. at the back of the stall is a board that is loose. the note is wrapped in oiled leather to protect its contents. you HAVE to make it onto this ship. along with this note is a pouch containing 7 emeralds. You can use these or not, in securing the services of the 6 other individuals that are being assigned to this vessel. Can you remember all this? i hope so, because i am afraid now the pain starts. with that last statement he picks up his pearing knife and hurls it at you. again, i am sorry
** spoiler omitted **...
Much as I want to summon a celestial pony onto the dinner table. Alfonse knows that this is part of the game. So he does the manly thing and screams.
hp 13/16
thanks. and you? she points at pallo. then she swings her gaze across the rest of the group come on people, i havent got all day. i have to get to another 30 sign posts so i can get my days wage. so chop chop!
** spoiler omitted **
Alfonso steadies himself against a fencepost as the stiffness caused by the poison passes.
<under his breath, but the guards might hear>'Alright fair 'nuncle if that is the way you want it. Let the games begin.'
Alfonso walks away and does not notice the claw marks in the freshly painted wood.
I am Pallo Admira, of Varisia. I am an arcanist, a wizard, specializing in Fire magics. Hired by the Crown as a specialist on this expedition.
You aren't the only one who wishes their wages. I am Lukas Kaine, militiamen, hired to keep this bunch alive. Do you know when we will head out?
[b]"Or the only one frustrated with the glacial speed of the expedition. I am Jacek Varilion of Egorian, representing the Varilion mercantile interests in the new colony, though I suppose my sword may be of some use as well."/[b]
alfonso: nope. you are dragged into the middle of the field.
to pallo and lukas: the lady scribes your names down and looking at lukas, says tomorrow morning, just like the lord general stated. one to many hits to the head, lukas? she laughs at her own joke.
everyone, except alfonso, give perception checks.
alfonso: nope. you are dragged into the middle of the field.
to pallo and lukas: the lady scribes your names down and looking at lukas, says tomorrow morning, just like the lord general stated. one to many hits to the head, lukas? she laughs at her own joke.
everyone, except alfonso, give perception checks.
Ah thank you. Perhaps i should pay more attention when important men talk...
alfonso: nope. you are dragged into the middle of the field.
"But I'm too young to be in a Cohen brothers movie!"
Perception
Arbot gruffly gives his name and rank, indicating that his business is to lead these people to safety as charged by the Varisian militia.