Tomnus gathers for the ceremony, a little leery that he might be recognized by the rangers and he sticks close to the other members of the party. Once the rangers leave he relaxes greatly and looks at the rest in his group. Hearing the elves words he shakes his head While I have never known an elf to listen to humans I would suggest you hold your tongue and do as your told on this mission. It is only by working together that we have any chance of completing our mission...or surviving. Though I do not put blind faith in Ozaziel, I will do as I am asked. That being said he will wait until everyone has read the charter and then will read it himself as he heads back to the wagon.
He gives Thom a polite nod and a bow for his kind words of agreement. Mayhaps the Lords will still bless this journey in companionship He boards with the rest of companions away from the haughty necromancer.
Once Tomnus and the rest of the men are on the wagon Tomnus can't contain his curiosity anymore So Ozaziel why do you think you were chosen as leader? I mean, no offense intended by this question, but what qualifications do you have to lead any of us? Don't get me wrong I'm going to follow orders, I'm just curious as to what they saw in you as I haven't been around you to adequately judge for my self if your worthy or not.
Once they leave the city he looks around and recalls his knowledge for their trip into the stolen lands.
Once Tomnus and the rest of the men are on the wagon Tomnus can't contain his curiosity anymore So Ozaziel why do you think you were chosen as leader? I mean, no offense intended by this question, but what qualifications do you have to lead any of us? Don't get me wrong I'm going to follow orders, I'm just curious as to what they saw in you as I haven't been around you to adequately judge for my self if your worthy or not.
Honestly i am shocked as ou are by their decision. Mayhaps it was my connection with the swordlords and their expectations of me. Personally, I thought they would have chosen Radu.
Arumil listens to the exchange, they had not noticed the preening nobles meaning.
"Its all in that speech that was given and the fact that he was even there to give it. No one was happy about the Castellan being there and more importantly taking control over what was supposed to be the swordlords operation. We were summoned by the swordlords not the regent, yet they showed up to claim us as it were. They put someone with a connection to the swordlords in the hopes that if you fail its an embarrassment, if you succeed then they can claim it was only under their guidance and not that of the swordlords. I would think that they hope we fail so the "most broken of instruments" can know their place so to speak. Politics and nobles plotting, I say good riddance to the lot of it. But best to put such things out of mind, only the laws of the river kingdoms hold any meaning where we are headed."
It was inescapable, they were like the plague or something. He could only pray the stolen lands had no plotting nobles to deal with. Bandits and monsters he could handle, those hiding behind the true law while taking advantage of it he could not.
Approaching your group from the rear, Master Pero speaks. You were chosen Ozaziel for a very simple reason. We needed someone with a connection to Restov that would be recognized by the poeple. Radu has interests and connections to Druma, Tomnus has connections he is trying to avoid, and Arumil would seem to have no connections to anything beyond himself. We first approached Thom for his role, but he did not feel comfortable in the role. In fact, he has taken a special assignment for the Assembly, and will not be proceeding with you further. For purposes of law, regulation demands someone be named on the writ, so you were chosen. You bear the responsibility for the group, and the burden of the group, though don't expect you alone will bear the costs of failure, that will be shared amongst you all.
Turning to Arumil, The laws of Brevoy are what you are to enforce in the lands we have asked you to explore, and to dispense onto the villians we have commissioned you to put down. The "laws" of the River Kingdoms, or thoughts of politics and noble pandering be damned. If you feel differently, or cannot abide the strictures of the writ, perhaps you are not the right persons for this venture.
Arumil ignored Pero, seemed he had been mistaken about the man. He looks to the sky.
"I wonder if it will rain, hope their is a strong wind today."
He did not care anymore, wondered why he had to begin with. He took a deep breath, fresh air and the scent of greenry is what he needed.
Having settled their tent and other gear aboard the cart, Bogdomil takes up the reins, if no one else has, and readies for departure.
Radu appears intent on walking beside the cart, carrying his shield slung across his back and his morning star at his belt (neither of which appear to have ever been used...).
Gentlemen, shall we be off? he says, waiting for Ozaziel to declare it so.
Perhaps, en route, we can entertain names for this venture, something that is relevant to the four of us in particular, if not necessarily to those who see us as tools to their purpose...
Tomnus nods at Radu's comment. We shall be off, and as for a name for this venture...I can't come up with any right now but I'll try thinking of one. To help pass the time I could also regale you all with some tales from my time spent in Port Pearl if you wish.
then let us be off
yes sir tomnus I have been waiting for these stories
[ooc]stupid phone kept deleting my posts so sorry for the short post.[/b]
Your group spends much of the day trudging in the direction of Nivakta's Crossing, though a spirited downpour midday forces you to stop in a sheltered grove for part of the afternoon. You count yourselves better than the poor serfs and porters in attendence to Lord Drelev, as you passed them waterlogged and miserable setting up a grand pavillion to keep him dry and out of the elements.
Realizing it would be foolhardy to press on in the mud and dark, you camp out upon a small hillock overlooking a now gully washed cleft off the nearby roadway. Though exposed, the site offers excellent sightways over the surroundings and should be safe for the night. If you would prefer to press on to Nivakta's Crossing, you will do so well past the witching hour and in a ruddy, muddy mess to boot. Waiting till first light will put you into the village around ten bells.
Your call.
Bogdomil stifles a laugh at the plight of the lord's porters, and then sneaks a glance at Radu, not wanting to put ideas in his head.
As they huddle under the trees, Radu uses minor magic to cause the rain to sluice free of his clothing and armor, leaving his white outfit dry, but the magic fades at the end of the first hour, and he seems loathe to repeat the magic, becoming less cheerful the water soaks through his layers of vestments and leaves him thoroughly soggy.
"Our first epic confrontation, the forces of nature, a foe unbeatable by even Lord Drelic and his party, it seems." he says, wryly.
Arumil shakes his head, throwing off some of the water from his hair.
"Well there is nothing much to be gained by pushing on in this weather. I for one say we should call it a day and head out come first light. Hopefully past this downpour and upon drier conditions."
Tomnus will tell stories of his past in Port Pearl until they stop due to the weather. He looks at Arumil as he speaks and nods in agreement. I agree, continuing on would be foolish and we will get much more done in the morning when its dryer and hopefully warmer. His clothing soon was wet and he started to shiver as the cool Bevoy winds rushed against him. This weather was making him long for the warm nights on the docks of Port Pearl. He tried to stay dry as best as he could but it wasn't really helping and he soon was shivering almost constantly. How...how can you not...be cold. he says as he shivers. Did...anyone bother...bringing a tent? I think...it would be...best to get out...of the rain
Radu nods to Bogdomil, who seemed quite content to snuggle up against a tree and wait out the rain, and the two of them prepare Radu's tent on a patch of higher ground, where the water will not pool beneath the tent.
It only has room for two, but I will take the first watch, and you can have an opportunity to dry off, Tomnus.
If Tomnus takes him up on the offer, he will use prestidigitation to warm and dry (and clean) Tomnus' clothing and armor as he enters the tent, a small whirlwind of hot air ruffling his clothing and hair for a moment as all trace of moisture (and road-dirt) is blown away, so that he will be dry and warm for at least an hour, and perhaps longer, if the tent does not leak.
Bogdomil shoots Radu a glare at this generosity, as he's all-too-aware that Radu can only use this magic one more time today, which means that he's not going to get magically dried and warmed before he gets to go to sleep...
I will double up on watches. I can rest on the road tomorrow.
The night passes uneventfully, the rain stopping shortly before midnight. The morning dawns sunny and bright, no sign of clouds, the breeze promising the warmth of a spring just blooming.
You pack away the gear and resume your journey, the freshness of a new day, a new journey bolstering your mood. Your step seems to quicken, and before long you sight the Crossing in the distance, the echoing of the ninth bell pelling low.
Arumil was sittng on the wagon waiting until they arrived. He had a good idea of what was to come, personally he would just like to move on towards their final destination and get started on their work already.
As you approach the gate into Nivakta's Crossing, a young guard approaches, his halberd much too large for his small frame. Hold please. State your names and your business with our village His voice cracks slightly, and his request comes across more quissical than authoritative. He shifts from foot to foot, awaiting your reply.
Tomnus sits in the wagon passing a gold coin between his fingers, waiting patiently for the journy to end. Once they are stopped by the man with the small frame Tomnus chuckles to himself. Another poor sap not respected enough to do the real jobs so he's thrown on guard duity...how I loath those memories. He sits their quietly waiting for the apointed leader, Ozaziel, to speak.
As the double watch last evening appears to have tuckered out the leader of the expedition, Radu steps forward, futilely attempting to shake road dust off the hem of his robe.
"I am Radu Stanislav, young sir, and this expedition seeks to secure supplies and lodgings, if possible, on our journey into the Stolen Lands."
Arumil cast a cleaning spell on everyone to make them more presentable, being considered dirty never helped things. He remained silent seeing how things would play out. He did wonder why such a boy was on guard duty, perhaps the regular guard was having lunch.
A man over the boy's shoulder appears at the open gate, Let them in lad, the Mayor and folks have been expecting them. Sergeant Jessup Back at your service. Shall I take you to the Sheriff, the Mayor, or would you prefer the inn? Noting your looks at the boy, Jessup says as you leave earshot, Bopps' folks died with the fever last fall, so the guard took him in. He's slow, but has a good heart, he'll grow into a fine member of the watch. Just needs seasoning is all. He'll need him with so many lads off joining the retinue.
Nivakta's Crossing is a small community, much smaller than Restov. A few hundred people, most of the buildings in this close knit cluster are cottages and tenent rows, places for people to live protected while working the tilled plots you passed on the ride in. You see a blacksmith, trading post, tavern, stablery, brothel, a merchant square for tent shops and table vendors, nothing particulary spectacular, and nothing really in competetion with one another. The wall around the community is high and sturdy, capped with a roofed catwalk and broken by occassional guard towers. The bridge across the Shrike lies along the southern approach, flanked by towers and high railed long each side.
People seem to take your arrival with little interest. Apparently with the coming of spring travel has picked up, and the thought of strangers is no longer a cause for gawking and staring.
At the mention of being expected, and lad's 'joining the retinue,' Radu suspects that at least one other party will either be passing through, or has already.
If the Mayor or Sheriff would like us to attend them at their convenience, we will make ourselves available, but at this moment, the inn would be most welcome, good sir. Radu says to the guardsman.
As the man makes reply, he turns and nods in gratitude to Arumil for lending his arcane skills to helping them not appear ragamuffins.
"I think it best to find out what we can first, no sense in making plans without the proper sense of the situation."
At Arumil's comment, Radu turns to Bogdomil, Find a place to stable the horses, secure the cart and put ourselves up for the evening, would you please?, handing the man some coin.
He turns back to the guardsman, Apologies for the sudden change of heart, but it looks like we'll be seeking out the Sheriff first. Which way might we find him?
If Arumil catches Radu's eye he gives a slight nod in appreciation.
This time of day the sheriff be likely to have headed home for lunch. I can takes you there, or drops you at the holding. The cell's empty so the place be likely open. You can waits for his return; I'll send one of the boys, lets him know you've arrived. The sergeant clearyly prefers this option, as he hesitates before continuing.
Or, I can takes you over the town hall, his mayorship may be in. A bit of, well, peculiar, he be, but was appointed all the same by the Regency. He wants to say more, but bites his tongue and thinks better of it.
The tavern hall serves a fair if simple fare this time of day, and the ale's cool to the palate. Pausing, looking over Radu and Arumil, Mights be it's a bit rough for you sirs; we don't gets many fancy gents staying in the Crossing. Those what do usually rents the traveler's hall or camps it outside the wall. Choice be yours', sirs.
As the Sheriff is likely unavailable, I suppose we'll present ourselves to the Mayor. Thank you for your time. Radu says, bowing his head slightly in gratitude for the man's guidance.
Sgt. Back leads you to the Town Hall, and leaves you at the door. Mayor Monbeck Revanisu should be inside. Good luck to you.
The structure is a high-walled, single floored building, more akin to a church than a government building. Looking through the double doors, you see several rows of long benches facing the far wall, before which sits a heavy wooden desk atop a raised dais. A true dandy is standing by the desk, momentarily suprised by your entrance. In but a moment you recognize strong resemblances between this man and Castellan Dupreux.
Oh, well, hello. The man shuffles through the papers on the desk. I do not see you on the Mayor's schedule. He is away at the moment. Lunch you see. May I schedule you? I think he may have time for you early next week, he he. Sorry. The man seems unusually nervous, figety.
Radu does not allow his thoughts to show on his face, instead saying,
We simply wished to pay our respects as a courtesy, I'm sure he has more important matters of state to attend to. Thank you for your time.
Stepping outside, he whispers quietly to the others, The sooner we are away from these inbred sycophants, the safer we will be. If we get entangled in their machinations, we will suffer the fate of flies in a spider's web.
Louder, he says, Let's camp outside of town, as the guardsman suggested, as the inn sounds somewhat rough. his voice drops to a lower register as he continues, Unless someone else can afford to replace our cart and horses, and this automatic cartographer thing, it will probably be best not to risk being robbed, or arrested for brawling in our own defense...
"I would have liked to avoid this place completely and get started with matters. But it seems it can't be helped. We should leave at first light and be on our way."
He agreed with Radu, he was starting to think the sooner they got to the stolen lands the safer it would be. At least in sense.
Tomnus stiffens a little at the mention of meeting the sheriff but then relaxes as they decide to go see the Mayor instead. He doesn't know how far is reputation preseeds him and he feels that it's always better to err on the side of causion. Looking a little disappointed he leaves with the rest of the party. He looks around for a moment, trying to get a sense of where he is and if there are any bandits or thugs around. Hearing Radu's words he turns to him a little upset.
Shame on you for judging these people like that. While I'm sure this is a far cry from what your used to I don't see anything that looks to bad. And besides I have a sixth sense when it comes to theives and we have nothing to worry about here. Seeing how your traveling with someone who grew up in a place like this I would hope you would choose your words a little better next time.
Hearing Armuil chime in Tomnus sighs You do have a point, we have work to do. But lets not waste the opprotunity to take in the sights and meet some of these people. How about lunch, on me?
The sights of Nivakta's Crossing, such that they are, include the town hall, an inn/tavern called the Broken Wheel, the sheriff's office, a smithy, a trading post, a temple/boneyard to Pharasma, the traveler's hall (little more than a converted guard barracks), and of course the covered bridge across the Shrike, which leads into the Stolen Lands, the end marker of Brevic territory. You do notice a stately manor house being built, but not yet completed.
As you pass the Sheriff's office, you see an older gentleman in studded leathers, watching you from the porch, swords long and short hanging from crossed belts at his hips. A satchel rests on the fence post, from which he takes several sheafs of paper, shuffling through them, then nodding in your direction.
Radu is somewhat wide-eyed at Tomnus' tirade, allowing him to finish before replying in a hoarse whisper, stepping close enough to Tomnus to broach 'polite' distance, "You are aware that I am referring to the political machinations of the Surtova, who may wish to exploit any brush with local authority, particularly one that they have engineered or manufactured, to cause us to fall further into their debt, and bind us more tightly to their control, correct?"
He steps back, "Go. Eat, drink and be merry. Clearly you have nothing to fear from falling into some sort of trap set by authorities who may wish you ill." He turns back to Bogdomil, sitting on the cart next to the drowsing Ozaziel. "We shall take the guardsman's fine advice, and set up camp outside of town. I doubt that we'll find any cozy inns in the Stolen Lands, we might as well not become spoiled by the finer things..."
He looks a little dubious at his own words, clearly not loving the idea of sleeping in the tent again, and eating whatever flavorless gruel and too-dry travel bread their rations consist of...
Not really sure how to respond to Radu he ignores the man and looks to his other traveling companions Arumil, Ozaziel, care to join me?
Arumil looks around.
"Does anyone notice that man nodding our way, maybe he has something to do with us. But on the subject of where to stay I would rather camp outside so as to be ready to go come sun up."
"Well why don't you come with me and see what he wants. Tomnus notices that the man is standing by the sheriff's station and leans in to Arumil "That what if he tries to arrest me you can help me resist."
If Arumil accompanies him he will approach the the man.
"Any crimes you have done outside of this country, without effecting them are not their concern. Not to mention you are part of the group commanded to head into the stolen lands on behalf of the country. If anything that goes over their head, they have no lawful way to arrest you. It would be far easier to hire someone to kill you if your crimes warrented such a far reach."
If he had such a fear of punishment then do not commit the crime to begin with. He goes along none the less, hopefully gaining some information.
As you approach the man, he stuffs the papers back into the satchel and closes it.
He holds up his hand in greeting, Sheriff Lorin Kaven, lawful agent of Brevoy here in Nivakta's Crossing. Jessup says you've be given the task of clearing the Greenbelt. Is this all of you? Well, who am I to question the decisions of the Throne? This packet is for you. I'll answer what I can, if you have questions, or I'll leave you to your own devices. He hands the satchel over to Tomnus, noting his nervous disposition. He offers a wry grin and releases the satchel.
Inside the bag you find a series of wanted posters, persons of interest for crimes committed against Brevic interests. Many bear a crude charcoal portrait on one side with some basic descriptive features. The other side is a royal decree discussing the nature of the individual and the outcome desired by the Throne. These are warrants and bounties issued against individuals believed to be operating or hiding within the area known as the Greenbelt. In all, you find nearly 50 writs, including general writs against the crimes listed below, but unnamed. The named individuals and their documented crimes follow:
Arson (Death or imprisonment) Breeg Orlivanch, Yoshiri
Banditry (Death or hard labor) Aalric Deeds, Cragger Kench, Deudermont, Falgrim Sneeg, Gehen Tarr, Jeb Megesen, Norry "Fatty" Dunn, Wesley Wheaton, Topper Red
Brigandry (Death) Auchs, Brann Duguide, Darobi D'winn, Garkem Leeth, Happs Bydon, Jubi Nelosh, Kressle, Ogrich, Valindra Ruez
Consorting With Dark Powers (Death) Alyes Megesen, Eirikk Emad, Hermi Wepps
Forgery (Death or disfigurement) Lanthan Steene, Maimun Greene
High Treason (Death) Grigori Danmers, Jex Tarlow, The Stag Lord, Viktoli Drake
Murder (Death or hard labor) Akiros Ismart, Dovan of Nisroch, Kundal Greypelt, Maria Thorne, Owlin Creed, Rasme the Butcher
Rape (Death or disfigurement) Isep, Pratte, Tarel Brama
Vagrancy (Death or imprisonment) Nugrah, Ulvin
The rewards for these crimes are as follows.
Arson - reward 30 gold
Banditry - reward 60 gold
Brigandry - reward 120 gold
Consorting With Dark Powers - reward 150 gold
Forgery - rewardd 30 gold
High Treason - reward 600 gold
Murder - reward 120 gold
Rape - reward 90 gold
Vagrancy - rewared 30 gold
Rewards are paid to the group as a whole, not each of you. Bonus rewards and bounties may become available as time progresses.
The composition of the writs are as follows, generally:
Be it so known that named condemned, charged with the crime of as indicted, having been tried in absentia, and having been found guilty by evidence provided testimonial and/or divine, is hereby sentenced to the punishment of death, as dictated by the the statutes of the Regency of Brevoy, for said crimes committed against the sovereign citizenry of the nation of Brevoy, its allies and allegiances, or by memberships associated therewith.
Forthwith, whosoever, whilst in service to the Regency of Lord Noleski Surtova and the nation of Brevoy, comes upon named condemned, shall forthwith carry out the judgement and punishment for indicted, as it shall be so deemed necessary in accordance with the laws of Brevoy and the edicts of the Dragonscale Throne.
So witnessed on this the 20th day of Calistril, under the watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and the authority granted by His Lordship Noleski Surtova, Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
Wanted for banditry... He stole all the Geek Nemesis roles Hollywood had to offer.
Arumil looks over the posters when he gets a chance. Seemed they expected them to do alot one way or the other.
"If no one minds I will keep those posters."
Tomnus takes the satchel and then browses through it. He relaxes as he see's he isn't wanted in Bevoy(yet). He will get a smile across his face as he finds the group wanted for banditry I wonder if they need a new leader he thinks to himself. He then turns to Armil and hands him the papers and allows him to read them. Turning to the Sheriff Don't worry, you can count on us to get this done. Any particular way you want to see them killed? I would suggest hanging, lynching, crucifixion, disemboweling, beheading... The list will continue on for a while.
Well, by blade or rope are the most generally accepted methods of execution, but the leader of your group is empowered to make decisions based upon his investigations or observations in each case. The crown chose you, so the crown must feel you are competent enough to handle enforcing the law. That, or they are simply waiting for you to cross up so they can drop the hammer on you. The last comment seems directed at Tomnus. The sheriff is watching him closely, albeit out of the corner of his eye.
It would appear Ozaziel has disappeared from the game. Anyone know his whereabouts?