Adreccam's eyes widen in surprise at Lord Dunkrint's accusations, and his mouth drops completely open when the swordlord throws down his rope. The mercenary looks around at the stunned faces, and then fear turns to anger, as it so often does with Adreccam Surtova.
He shoves back his chair and stands upright, chin held high. His Surtovan blood kicks in, and his voice and accent change to take on a distinct Issian lilt.
"Indeed, Lord, my word appears to have carried far -- on the tongues of servants who despite their age and experience have not learned discretion." Adreccam glares at Denorin and Jeyhen.
"Furthermore, your domo ignored a simple request I made, and had your valet flaunt my house name to your guests, despite my express wishes to the contrary. I am not a worldly man, but even I am aware that the name 'Surtova' is not looked upon with favor in Rostland." His lip curls in disgust. "Once again, this decorum you speak of was nowhere in evidence."
Adreccam points accusingly at Denorin. "After suffering this slight, I was then expected to walk arm in arm with the very man who slighted me. Am I a maid, that I might need support should I feel faint and mayhaps swoon at the sight of such esteemed personages when I entered?" Adreccam feigns putting the back of his hand to his brow and fanning himself with the other. "I tell you here, Lord Dunkrint, that I walk unaided and where I will."
The young man steps forward into the circle and yanks his blade from Delos's hands. He holds the sword up in front of him and stares straight at Lord Dunkrint. "I take up your challenge, knowing that it means my death, for you are an Aldori swordlord, and I am not. But I wish you to know that it is I, Adreccam Surtova, who is wronged here today, not you. It is I who should have thrown down the golden rope at your feet, but did not. Is is I who showed discretion, where you and your staff did not. For years I desired nothing more than to enter into the Sword Pact. Now I see that it is not so great an honor as I once thought."
Adreccam crouches down into a guarded position. "Come at me, then."
I don't mean to interrupt a properly issued duel, but shouldn't the young man be given all of his weapons...including his shield? I'm sure, above all others, that Swordlords are unafraid of alternate fighting styles. Unless, of course, Sir Adreccam prefers to fight with sword alone.
Viktor remains standing where he is, near the table and gives bow towards Lord Dunkrint in an effort to show that his words are not meant as an insult, but a reminder.
...
Raktin toasts and then turns towards Jacob, opening his mouth as if to speak before being interrupted by Dunkrint. He sighs as the man gives his speech and then shakes his head slightly.
Hopefully this won't result in someone dying. That would make for an unpleasant start.
Once Viktor has finished speaking he turns again to Jacob and speak softly, trying not to terribly interrupt the proceedings.
Interesting compass, how long have you had it? Looks like you have quite a liking for it.
I don't mean to interrupt a properly issued duel, but shouldn't the young man be given all of his weapons...including his shield? I'm sure, above all others, that Swordlords are unafraid of alternate fighting styles. Unless, of course, Sir Adreccam prefers to fight with sword alone.
Stepping into the ring, his tone and demeaner taking a darker turn, By all means, bring his shield and whatever else he desires. As you bring honor as his second, I grant you further he shall be granted right of the first blow. Land it as he might.
Lord Dunkrint stands only in his uniform, his rainment, with his weapon at his side. Drawing the blade, he takes a few warming swings, and waits, blade at the ready.
In Restov and Rostland, a man is judged by his character more than his name. That is why Surtovas' find themselves in at times, a diminished stature. Do you see yourself as we see many Surtovans? And to think I invited you as I thought you sought to follow in the path of the Aldori.
Interesting compass, how long have you had it? Looks like you have quite a liking for it.
Oh, this old thing, had it for several seasons. A gift from my mentor.
He tucks it away, almost with a wink.
Whispering conspiratorily Have you ever seen an Aldori duel? This may be interesting. Have you tablet or parchment?
Flynn shows proper noble etiquette with the toast and continuing with the appetizers until all hell breaks loose.
Adreccam straps his shield on. "I did wish it, Lord, but no longer. I will forge a path of my own making, should Gorum see fit to grant me breath for another day. And as a matter of fact, I do view my family in the same manner as most Rostlanders do. It's what makes me such a tragic figure." He lays a finger aside his nose and winks impudently at Lord Dunkrint. Saying a silent prayer to all the gods, Adreccam rushes at the swordlord.
The assembly and guests look on as Adreccam makes a showing for himself, rushing Lord Dunkrint and giving no quarter. With a quickness born of an age learning his craft, no blow strikes close to the mark, though Adreccam's shield did catch the tail of the Lord's cloak.
Lord Dunkrint, in response steps up, weaving his blade in a blur of motion.
First strike, Disarm Attempt
Second strike, Trip Attempt
Third strike, Single directed blow
Both sword and shield go flying from Adreccam, overcome by the suddenness of the attack. He recovers, avoiding the trip, and narrowly avoids the strike, his armor taking a thin line gouge from the fine blade.
Will you learn the lessons of Sirian? Do you yield?
Will you learn the lessons of Sirian? Do you yield?
Adreccam holds up his hands and stares at the blade pointed at him. He cocks his head to the side.
"Aye, I yield," he says ruefully. "What's one more lost duel to my name?" Adreccam grins, showing a mouth full of crooked teeth. He stands very still, waiting to see if this prickly lord will put an end to him.
Viktor retrieves the sword and shield (if they fell outside of the circle) and waits to present them to Adreccam. Once done with that formality, he returns to the table, but doesn't sit.
Whispering conspiratorily Have you ever seen an Aldori duel? This may be interesting. Have you tablet or parchment?
Raktin nods and starts to reach for some paper as the duel is beginning. He pulls out a sheet and goes for his inkpen before the fighting starts and he stops even trying to find it.
Watching someone get their weapons knocked to the ground is...less special than I expected.
He says quietly.
Almathea remains seated throughout the challenge and duel and keeps her eyes on Viktor rather than the men fighting.
"Aye, I yield," he says ruefully. "What's one more lost duel to my name?"
There's hope for you yet. I thought anyone a Surtova would disapprove of would have more mettle than they could handle.
He sheathes his sword and offers his hand to the young fighter, passing his blade and belt to Denorin. The other servants rush to gather away the accessories of the duel, and Adreccam's weaponry, should Viktor release them.
Sirian lost himself his first time round Restov. Had to learn that nobility was not given, not taken, but earned. You may know the lesson, but you have yet to truly experience it. Waving the servants to bring on the meal, he walks Adreccaam back to the table. Come, sit, let us dine, Adreccam of the Shield and Sword. A fitting name, until you learn yourself a better one.
Viktor readily hands the weapons to the servants and sits after Dunkrint finishes speaking. He has a bemused smile upon his face as he thinks...
Ah, nobility. That which can be given or taken...but *never* earned. But, I suppose if you have money and title, you're allowed to lie to yourself. Respect on the other hand...well, that I believe this young man has just earned.
Viktor doesn't speak much while the food arrives and is eaten unless more than smalltalk comes up. Otherwise he simply listens and encourages those on the other side of the table to speak as much as they'd like while steering the conversation towards something useful.
Come, sit, let us dine, Adreccam of the Shield and Sword. A fitting name, until you learn yourself a better one.
Adreccam laughs sheepishly, his face turning red. "Perhaps 'Adreccam of the Distinct Lack of Shield and Sword' would be more apt, milord."
He sits back down in his seat, mollified. He lifts his glass and speaks to the table at large. "My apologies, everyone."
Raktin sits quietly while the dinner goes on, eating as politely as he can. He shifts a bit in his chair somewhat impatiently, but has the sense not to be rude during the proceedings.
Thea will make the occasional comment, such as that she's never tried moonberries before, but mostly tries to listen for anything that might clue her in to why they were brought here.
The feast winds down after desert, with your host Dunkrint rising to propose one last toast, To worthy endeavours and to new associations. The other distinguished guests begin to rise, as double doors opposite the long hall open, revealing glimpses of what lies beyound. Wooden paneling, a well stocked credenza of tempting libations, and a high hearth giving warmth to this late afternoon, all first catch the eye. Then you see it is a library, as shelves upon shelves of books cover what walls are not tall glassed windows. An assortment of chairs, sofas, and other restful perches are scattered throughout the room, though a long table and lectern seems added to sit before the hearth. Six chairs are placed at the table, backs to the hearth. This will be the meeting hall for the true discussions of your future.
Moving to give Adreccam an approving slap on the back, Dunkrint continues, If our guests would excuse the assembly and myself for the moment, we have a small matter of business to which we must attend. Please, feel free to relax in the next room, and we will be with you shortly. Make yourselves at home, and all will be revealed as to the nature of our intentions, and to the purposes for this gathering. Thank you.
Viktor attempts to keep a smile on his face as he rises from the table and moves to the next room, but he's obviously grown tired of the games being played. His lack of success in learning anything about why he and his wife were summoned does not make his mood any better. He sits with a sigh and waits for Dunkrint's return.
Viktor attempts to keep a smile on his face as he rises from the table and moves to the next room, but he's obviously grown tired of the games being played. His lack of success in learning anything about why he and his wife were summoned does not make his mood any better. He sits with a sigh and waits for Dunkrint's return.
Flynn takes the opportunity to wander around the room, searching through the books and various knick-knacks. Whatever it takes, I guess. But this is boring.
This whole nobility thing is boring. How long do you suppose they will make us wait?
Perhaps they need to discuss if we are worthy of their mission before they make us an offer. Either that or one of us has offended someone again again and they need to plan some other duel. Thea rolls her eyes at that thought and tries to find a reasonable size chair that she can sit in and not have her feet dangling like a childs above the floor.
Adreccam sits down and keeps his mouth shut (for once). He crosses his legs and clasps his hands in his lap, the very picture of patience and good behavior.
Raktin moves to the next room as directed. He paces back and forth, his boredom clearly increasing the more he has to wait. As the others comment he simply shakes his head, arms crossed over his chest.
Those interested in viewing the books and brick-a-brack have but a few minutes before the door opens and three of your hosts arrive. The books cover a variety of subjects, ranging from astronomy to zoology, with a strong emphasis on subjects particular to the areas in and around Brevoy. The largest collection of tomes seems to deal with the subject of history, with numerous works on Choral the Conqueror and the time both before and after his rise to power.
The three men seem slightly perturbed that some of you took it upon yourselves to examine the works. Apparently, "relax and make yourselves at home" may have been more of a figure of speech than an invitation to go through things not belonging to you.
Lord Mayor Sellemius takes the podium while Lord Orlovsky and Jacob Pero take seats at the table.
Gentlemen, and lady, we thank you for attending today, and for your discretion in the matters we will discuss today. Gesturing to the other attendees, and beyond the closed doorway, he continues. The others have needed to leave due to an unforeseen incident that has arisen. They have full confidence in the matters at hand, and have given their blessings for us to continue in their absence. Tell me, what do any of you know about the Stolen Lands, banditry in and amongst the River Kingdoms, or more specifically about the Greenbelt? He pauses a moment to allow you to answer.
Perception
Tell me, what do any of you know about the Stolen Lands, banditry in and amongst the River Kingdoms, or more specifically about the Greenbelt?
I fear that I know little of that part of the world my lords, I rely on my husband for worldly knowledge. Turns and gazes affectionately at Viktor after saying that.
perception Thea
Nightwing
I know that they are wild, and bandits control most of the River Kingdoms. Beyond that, I am unsure.
Adreccam snorts back laughter. "Put it this way: I have no idea what you're talking about. I've heard of the River Kingdoms to the south, but tha's about it, I'm afraid."
Lord Sellemius continues Rostland and Restov have not enjoyed the best of relationships with House Surtova and the Dragonscale Throne. The reasons are diverse and many, with deep grievances and issues held on both sides of the scepter. Suffice it, that Rostland finds itself facing strangled trade routes, ever increasing tariffs, and an increasing alarming rise in bandit activity along our borders.
A cough from Lord Orlovsky causes the Lord Mayor to pause, nod ever so slightly, then continue. The tariff issue is best handled in the political arena of Port Ice, and it is regrettable that I even mentioned it. Please do not feel my displeasure is any indication of disloyalty. Rostland and Restov beleive in the unity of Brevoy, and will always work both to improve the nation and for the betterment of it's peoples.
Lord Orlovsky interrupts for a moment, It is because of these issues that we asked for discretion from you and your peers. Conversations given in relaxed and casual fashion could be misconstrued, or subverted to cause mischief. We wish you to understand we work only for the greater good of all of Brevoy.
Taking a chance to rise, Jacob Pero speaks As many know, the Stolen Lands have long been a thorn in the side of the kingdoms that have risen and fallen in this small piece of Golarian, for age upon age it seems. I have studied the lands and its lore, first from the halls of Absalom, and now here in Restov. I have lent much of my service to this assembly because I hope to someday discover the reason and cause of this 'unusual' phenomenon.
Lord Sellemius continues, Master Pero is correct, and his insights have been of benefit in determining a course of action in regards to the Stolen Lands. The Dragonscale Throne has refused to allow troops or personal expeditions into the lands, for fear of upsetting the River Kingdoms or the indigenous peoples. Lord Noleski Surtova, our regent, feels any military or noble actions amongst the Stolen Lands would bring strife to Brevoy, whether from outside realms or challenges amongst the Seven Houses. However this course has left Rostland open to the depradations of the lawless and degenerate. We have therefore come upon a unique, and we feel fairly legal means of giving heed to the call of House Surtova, as well as benefiting Brevoy and Rostland. Each of you has been summoned to provide a service to our Kingdom, to serve both Brevoy and Rostland, to be agents and arms of Restov, and to do so with the blessings of the Dragonscale Throne as well. Lord Surtova's decrees have made mention of the need for Brevoy to exercise justice and enforce the will of the Dragonscale Throne upon all who would trespass upon it's sovereignty.
Lord Orlovsky looks to each of you in turn as he speaks We wish to commission your particular group to act on behalf of Restov and Brevoy in a part of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt. Others have taken commissions to serve in areas such as the Nomen Heights and Hooktongue Slough. What we seek is a group willing to explore the lands and seek out threats to the rightful rule of the Dragonscale Throne over the sovereign lands of Brevoy. Banditry, hostile monsters, and the depradations of foul humanoids would all pose such threats to our Regent and his reign, as their influence upon trade and rightful passage undermines the faith and confidence of the peoples of Brevoy. We cannot allow wellsprings of conceived weakness grow within the hearts and minds of our peoples, our neighbors, nor our allies. The safety of Brevoy and of the Regency are at stake. Do you have the will and desire to serve our nation?
Viktor attempts to keep himself from rolling his eyes at the continued requests for discretion. Finally, the point.
I have the will and desire for adventure and to be paid. If that's enough loyalty, then I'll be happy to explore these Stolen Lands for you.
Viktor smiles slightly after speaking, but otherwise looks very serious.
I'll follow my husband on this, but I would like to know a few more details. Such as how much you are offering and what do we get upfront. I also assume that we get to keep whatever we may "recover" from these bandits.
I wonder what the real reason is for them to hire us for this? They are acting too nervous and in too much secrecy for their motives to be as pure as they claim.
I'm up for getting paid to retake my family's lands that the lords of Brevoy deemed it previously unnecessary to protect. Frankly I don't think you're going to find anyone with blue blood and undying loyalty to the nation that knows the terrain as well as I do and one thing I am loyal to is my word. So give me the details, tell me where to sign, and I'm on board for doing what should have been done years ago.
Raktin keeps his arms crossed across his chest as he speaks.
Adreccam taps his fingers on his leg as he listens to these highborn men. As much as his heart quickens when he hears the offer being presented, there is still the nagging question, Why us, exactly?
"Far be it from me to gainsay the wishes of my loving cousin, the King-Regent," he says with a rueful smile. "I've always wanted to see the wide world beyond the walls of Restov, and getting paid to do so is just icing. I'll echo my companions: how much are we talking about here?"
Flynn listens intently to Lord Orlovsky's words. Taking it all in, he contemplates his words before speaking, Truly you speak cautiously toward our Lord Surtova. Your ideas and thoughts of how to handle this... Flynn pauses for effect ...situation have been carefully planned out as not to tread on the Lord Surtova's decrees. Yet you ask us to tread that thin line as well. No one wishes to go against the Dragonscale Throne. Flynn crosses his arms over his chest and grasps his chin in one hand. I do not wish to cross my lord, but gold is truly a motivator. It is not my desire to get between the petty squabbles of the noble houses. But if I can help my fellow countrymen, Flynn looks to ALmathea, and women, by ridding these lands of...How did you put it? Banditry, hostile monsters, and the depradations of foul humanoids I believe you said. If by cleaning up the Stolen Lands we better Brevoy, and its people, then I am in. Flynn nods his head in agreement. Than quickly adds, OH, and if there is gold to be made that don't hurt either.
Looking to Lord Orlovsky, Lord Mayor Sellemius comments Perhaps Tamus was correct, Erastil frowns upon these mercenaries.
Returning his gaze back, he clears his throat . Firstly, yes, we do speak cautiously on this subject. Was it not only last month his Regent Noleski had drawn and quartered two of his own house for the mere appearance of disloyalty. True, a week later evidence was uncovered that confirmed their guilt, but can one be too careful. Evidence given after the headsman's swing falls on deaf and dead ears, does it not. Shuddering slightly, remembering being forced to attend the executions, Sellemius continues. The Assembly appreciates your interest in the charge we wish to bestow upon you. Know that it is not our intention to send you out ill-prepared, nor improperly compensated in service to the Throne. The Greenbelt holds promise for exploration and subdual. Indeed, perhaps it is those same qualities that have attracted the influx of bandits and brigands to the area. Glancing at the others he presses on. First and foremost we seek an end to the bandit threat plaguing Brevic trade routes and Brevoy's southern borders. Three days beyond Nivakta's Crossing, a frontier fort has been maintained by a former Brevic soldier. This watch yard and trading post has been attacked and despoiled by a group reportedly led by a man calling himself the Stag Lord. Master Oleg Leveton, once a sergeant of the Crimson Scales, seeks aid in repelling this menace. Aiding him and his outpost we feel should be your first objective. Beyond that, we wish you to explore the Greenbelt in an area deemed acceptable by the Regency, to determine the level of threat posed to Brevoy. How you accomplish this should be guided first and foremost by enforcing the laws and justice of Brevoy, ever mindful not to abuse the trust and faith placed in you by Lord Surtova, offered through our hands.
Rising to face the group, Lord Orlovsky speaks. On the matter of just and fair compensation, what do you feel is just? You are asked to explore the Greenbelt, to root out enemies of Brevoy, to serve justice upon fugitives from the Throne, and expose any potential threats to the sovereignty of our Regent. What seems fair in exchange for such services?
Jacob Pero smiles throughout the ordeal, fiddling with his compass. He seems disinterested in the affair, merely looking up and joining his fellows awaiting your response.
Looking to Lord Orlovsky, Lord Mayor Sellemius comments Perhaps Tamus was correct, Erastil frowns upon these mercenaries.
Viktor scowls at this but remains silent until they are done.
Rising to face the group, Lord Orlovsky speaks. On the matter of just and fair compensation,...
He looks at his wife and nods slightly, then turns back to the assembled lords with a frown. That is the last insult I'll take from this assembly today. This man, Oleg Leveton, seems worthy of aid. My wife and I will gladly go and assist him with his bandit problem.
He stands and smooths his shirt. If you wish to hire us to explore and fight, then do so. I give my word that this task will get done. I've no interest in haggling over the matter. I work for coin or good cause and so far you've offered neither. Claiming that your goal and that of Brevoy are the same is all well and good, but I've heard pretty talk before and have only once been fooled. What I have heard is insult upon insult. Questioning my faith and my loyalty to a country that I fought and bled for. I'll have no more of it.
He turns to leave. I'll be waiting outside for a coach back to the city. I believe you know where we are staying. Deliver your commission outside, or at the Inn if you wish. He pauses to listen to anything his wife says, and then leaves.
Raktin chuckles a bit as Viktor speaks. He motions with his thumb towards the man after he finishes before speaking himself.
He's got a good point. Telling me that the god that I have given my service to for quite some time frowns on me doesn't exactly make me want to jump at the chance to help you. I've got plenty of reason to head into the Stolen Lands and I'm all for it. And sure, if this soldier needs help enforcing the law, I'm happy to help out and put down a few bandits since it sounds like he has been failed thus far by the law as well.
He shrugs.
But I don't care one lick about fugitives from the Throne and I'm certainly not hauling anyone back to be executed before evidence is compiled. I'll kill bandits. I'll map something for you. But I'm not going to pretend it's because I'm enamored with you and the chance to do something for the Regent. You paid me something already so I figure the least I can do is go help out Oleg. Double that and I'll come back with your map complete with killing whatever random bandits get in the way. You want me to do even more and fight some undetermined manner of creature for you? Keep the price rising from there.
Almathea will stand as her husband prepares to turn and leave. These Lords seem to want much for little for Throne that we are to even able to publicly claim to support seems a bit suspicous no matter how pure their motives may actually be.
Almathea shrugs as she says: As long as Sivanah smiles upon me I care not if Erastil frowns. As for the man Oleg, I will go with my husband to offer him aid since I would not leave anyone to the mercies of bandits or monsters.
Almathea will follow her husband out if they are not stopped.
Flynn waits for the couple to leave, and any others that don't want to stick around. He then gives a broad smile to the lord Orlovsky and others gathered. I have no need of a god frowning on me. Life in these parts is tough enough. Play your petty games of nobility. As for me, I will travel with the others that were gathered here and help this Oleg fellow. It will be a nice change and a chance to hone my skills. Especially if we should come across bandits. As for pay? One can not know the difficulty nor the extent to which aid is needed before completing the task. Pay as you wish, but perhaps the bandits will pay better. Maybe you should find out what they are paying just to be safe. With that, Flynn bows graciously, as one who has had experience bowing in court. He then turns on his heel and leaves, following the couple out the door.
"We are to be deputized, then? With the full authority of Brevoy and Lord Surtova to back whatever justice we deem necessary to mete out? Do we ride into the River Kingdoms under the Brevoy banner, or are we to do this subtle-like, seein' as how we ain't exactly operating within our own borders?"
Adreccam bows politely as he rises to leave, but as he straightens, he waggles his finger at the three men, giving them a wink and another finger aside his nose. "If I was more than just a gutter rat, I'd say you men have what others might call 'ulterior motives'. Furthermore -- and mind this is only if I was more than just a gutter rat -- I'd also conclude that me and me mates are being used as pawns in a game that you would prefer we didn't know the rules to." He shrugs. "All well and good, I say, so long as you pay me honest gold, and lots of it. It would also be really super terrific if we could bank on the fact that our enemies lie in front of us in the Stolen Lands, and not lurking behind us in Brevoy."
As Adreccam steps through the door and begins to close it behind him, he pops his head back through one last time. "I won't be placing bets on that last bit. Evenin', gents." The door closes quietly.
The return ride back to Restov is uneventful. The Lord Mayor informs Adreccam, the last to leave the meeting, that documents will be made available at a small warehouse and general store the following afternoon detailing the arrangement the Assembly wishes to make. Any further questions may be answered at that time.
Evening passes to night, night into morning, unless someone has business to which they desire to attend. The following morning, just after sunrise, the bells begin tolling every quarter hour, in three long peals. As you make your respective ways down to break the nights fasting, you find visitors and staff alike to be subdued and withdrawn.
After breakfast Almathea will wander off in search of shop that sells scrolls and seek to purchase a scroll of comprehend language and a scroll of share language.
And since market places are popular for gossip, Thea will keep an ear out for political discussions since the lords repeated requests for discretion has made her wonder how prevalent unrest in the city may be.
The city is in shock. Brevoy's Lord Priest of Erastil and Swordlord Dunkrint were found dead this morning. Martial law has been declared by decree of the Regent. Officials from New Stetven arrived via magic over night. Travel is now limited throughout the city pending further investigation and review. Random patrols and searchs are occurring citywide. Rumor runs rampant as people speculate as to the causes of the deaths, and what the Throne has in store for Restov.
Almathea, the market is nearly closed, Restovian guardsmen led by Crimson Claw troopers patroling the central square. Few shopkeepers have opened their doors. There is one shop open that might cater to your interests, clearly owned by a non-native. Do you wish to proceed?
The amount of armed guards patrolling make Almathea nervous to continue her venture alone, so she goes back to the inn to ask Viktor to accompany her. Despite the murders, they still wish to offer their assistance to Oleg Leveton, especially since it seems that any available Restov guardsmen are here instead of out on the borders giving assistance.
When we return back to the inn, we will hunt down the others of our little group and determine together what our next course of action should be given this surprising turn of events.