While Dobrynya holds his small martial court his officers and troops are quit busy. First order of business is capturing the cities water works just a few blocks to the east of the gate. This is easily done since the site is all but abandoned.

There is not a even a glimpse of Roman troops or Pecheneg mercs to be seen in the north of the city this day.

When all of the tumult and emotion of the trial had dissipated and Miroslav is no longer in consultation with Dobrynya, Loukas approaches him with a wry grin, "Our work is done here, eh?"

Becoming serious, "Have you received anything like an offer from the Knyaz for our next adventure? Perhaps we should move into the Mediterranean? I am thinking that the farther we are able to get from this place the better it would be."

Dyanna overhears Loukas and Miroslav and joins the conversation.

"I would speak more of the spoils we've earned," she says to the Captain.  "And of signing on with your band.  I believe I've proven my faith at the gate to be considered for such, but if no, then at least allow me a share of booty and I will go on my way."

First answering Loukas..."I am afraid we are not finished here. We have the gate and Sviatoslav sure is applying heavy pressure near the docks and more troops from Kiev are expected but there will still be more battle and intrigue here in the city before we can leave.

He nods at Dyanna and says..."We will need the likes of both of you and a few others to do some scouting deeper inside of the city. Dobrynya has requested that I assemble a team for this and you two are definitely among those I would like to go."
"As for loot...I plan on distributing that today in the afternoon."
XP as well either today or early tomorrow morning, real time.

"Fair enough," replies Dyanna with a small grin.  "Let me know when we are to leave."

The big Slav smacks himself in the forehead and says..."Dyanna...I forgot. You are working with Balthazar and Zmija on the cube. DObrynya has given that first prioity. I apologize...you must remain and work with the others on the cube."

With a grin she nods her head and says, "Ah...the root of all evils.  Good, it interests me...I shall be off then to find the others.  Call me when dividing my share."

With a wink and a grin at Loukas she says, "Stay safe!"

Turning, she saunters away...

"Our work is never done, eh?"

Grinning at the woman of Greece, "You have proven yourself to all of us and it is good to have you along, Dyanna. I look forward to sharing a bottle of good Greek grape with you when this is all done. In the meanwhile, keep your eyes on Balthazar!"

"Captain," Barmak says to Miroslav, "I should like to be among those in the scouting party.  As I am not weighed down with armor or heavy weapons, I should be able to move quickly and quietly."

And the sooner we can be about this business the better, he adds mentally.  I would have the taste of this trial out of my mouth.

"Aye Barmak...I was just waiting for you to show up to recruit you for this mission! We may need Jaleh as well if she can be torn from A'kos's side.

Oleg will be joining you as well since he has some experience in moving about unseen. I would suggest getting some sleep today since I want you to move out at nightfall.

A'kos wanders over to listen to the hubbub.

"If you'd like my company, I would go as well.  I'm getting bored with the drama...and bring certain things to the table that would help on such an expedition."

Having spent the time since the trial seeking Alyna to no avail Jean listens from nearby with his hand on his chin.

"In the country side I can scout near as well as any man may but I am of no use for subtle things in cities. Call me when they Pecheneg dogs are found and it is time to destroy them."

"Unless there is some other task to which I am better suited?"

       The Stridesman approaches Miroslav in order to have a word with him . . .

       "Mayst Gultunga hath permission to return to the Heart of Oak to ensure
its seaworthiness, just in case we are called upon to set sail at a moments
notice?  In so doing the ship will be able to set sail without any unforeseen
hinderances.
        Once its time for splitting the treasure, ye can call for Gultunga,
and Gultunga shalt report immediately.
        Gultunga awaits your orders."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

To A'kos..."We have need of you and your mount in the morning so if you will join us instead..."

Looking to Gultunga..."The ship is well cared for and I will distibute the loot now. If you wish to check on the ship after, that is fine."

To Jean and all the other warrior types..."When Dobrynya's men took the city water works they also took in a repair crew. We will need to provide an escort for this crew to repair the water main. We do not know how many Pecheneg bands roam the region outside of the city, perhaps none or maybe quite a few. So all who can ride and fight will be needed."

"Lastly there is the matter of the cube...Balthazar, Dyanna and Zmija are by Dobrynya''s request asked to continue working on discovering the nature of this object."

"Now on to the loot! Dobrynya has also kicked in a very very generous reward for capturing the gate. I took the liberty of having all the items identified by one of the Regents crew of sages...

A list of the identified items:
3 studded leather +1
2 studded leather armor +2
3 falchion +1
1 Dagger +1
1 gold ring inscribed with a flame of warmth
1 ruby with  a sigil incised periapt of wound closure
1 potion of speed
1 Javelin +2
1 rope of climbing
1 wand of negation
1 ring of feather falling
1 Deck of many things

Mundane items:
44 studded leather armor
45 small round shields
43 falchions
45 iron caps
45 daggers
45 short bows
45 horses
 3 sets of fine chain barding
9220 in mixed coin, gems and jewelry looted by the Pechenegs

Dobrynya has offered 1000 GP reward for all who took the gate.

"I would suggest we donate the mundae gear to the new arsenal of Khorsun...for the other items I do not know enough about them to tell. I have had the Deck of many things explained to me by the sage and it sounds almost as deadly as the Cube...but still strangely enticing."
I have xp totals all saved here but will wait to see what transpires here as far as xp for treasure goes.

       The Stridesman rubs his chin in thought and finally makes known his
hearts desire amongst the treasures laid out before them.

       "There be naught weapon nor armor that Gultunga tis proficient n' nor
couldst be used to better Gultunga, however beings that r'e adversaries blades
likes the taste of Gultungas sweet manflesh flesh . . . I wouldst like to lay
claim to the ruby with the sigil.  Though I am leary O' magics O' any sort,
that wot heals cannot be wholly evil, n' must be safe to carry.

       Upon another note, considering the unbridaled power O' wot the Magical
Deck of Card holds,  I propose that it be sold and its proceeds divided amongst
our crew;  in so doing, it will prevent any further abuses O' wreckless magics
as to wot it couldst do to those whom innocently hath to suffer at anothers
expense.  I'm quite sure that we wish not to hath the backlash O' magic reeked
upon us any further or cause any mayhem amongst ourselves as had the vile
ensorceled cube.  Too much magic corrupts n' defiles ones mind and soul . . .
no matter how pure and chivalrous of heart one mayst be.

        I wouldst also like to lay claim to one O' the Byzantines glorious
mounts.

        Gultunga implores to one n' all to heed Gultungas advice, n' doth
naught let Gultungas wise advice fall upon death ears . . . as had happened
before concerning the vile machinations O' the cube whilst aboard the 'Heart
of Oak'.

        By the bye, Gultunga shalt lend his martial talents to the escort that
was spoken o' earlier."

       Gultunga fingers rapidly and emphatically gesture over the heavily
ensorceled deck in and attempt to ward off the vile and evil auras eman-
nating from it.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

"I agree with our verbose companion. The Ruby ring is the best of the lot. We must needs develop some way to divide the items fairly."

Stepping closer from somewhere over to the side, Jaleh peeked in curiously on what everyone was doing. "I thought I smelled loot. Someone mentioned a ruby ring?"

Gultunga's dire warning about the deck of cards catches his attention.  "If this deck is the very same of which I have heard tell, I shall heed your words, my friend.  Such a thing would present the same temptations to me that the cube must have whispered to Pyotr - to alter one's fortunes on the turn of a card..."  He indulges himself in considering the possibilities for a moment, clearly wrestling with the dilemna it presents - the appeal to his greed, the ability to change his family fortunes, but also the clear threat to his allies and to his very soul.

"Ha!" Barmak laughs as he looks over the list, trying to force thoughts of the Deck from his conscious mind.  "There is much here that sings to my sailor's heart!  A keen falchion, a well-made coat of studded leather - these I can see the immediate benefit of.  Yet some of these other enchanted things..."

"A ring that keeps a man warm without robes or coat, even when he is wet?  Such a thing is worth more than gold and jewels to a man of the south who might sail cold northern waters.  Upon this I would lay my chiefest claim."

"A rope that throws itself, remains steady without anchor, and ties itself into knots when commanded?  Surely this is also a sailor's dream," he says, a sly smile spreading across his face, "and a wealthy man's nightmare.  To one of a larcenous heart, I can see much worth here.  But already I have had need to scale one wall.  That need may arise again even upon the morrow!"

Looking back at Miroslav, the Persian says, "I cast my lot for the ring of warmth, the rope of climbing, a fine-quality falchion, a coat of studded leather, and one of the horses.  Of course, I leave it to you to decide what my fair share should be, my captain, and I am certain I shall be satisfied with your judgment in that.  But I should like to state my desire for any and all of these things now, should they be lawfully included in my portion of the booty."  This last part he says with a glance of acknowledgment toward Jean, not wishing to sound too greedy in front of the Frankish knight.  Yet the lusts of his merchant's heart remain at odds with his Muslim conscience's urgings toward humility...

Loukas looks over the goods with everyone else, "All of us played an equal, if different role in affairs so far; although, admittedly, Sir Jean's actions merit consideration... Here is one way to go about this: Give Sir Jean first choice as a reward and he picks one item. The rest of us follow taking a turn based on where the first letter of our name lands in the Greek alphabet. We go around like this until everything is chosen. As far as the coins go, let us each take a share except for Miroslav, who as Captain merits two. We ought to also set aside three shares value to go towards the Heart of Oak's maintenance, which shall be taken care of by him as well. Unless so many shares is insufficient...."

"I would look to further protect myself with the finely crafted studded leather," says A'kos, looking over but dismissing the rest of the gear.  "Would also take a claim for some barding to protect Storm's Wind's chest."

"Is that a deck of cards for playing pokiir - I fine hand of draw do I play...would anyone care to join me in a game?  'Tis an easy way for you to relieve the strain of carrying around fairly won spoils of war!"

He laughs boisterously at his own humor.

OOC: Want +2 Studded and any gold rightfully due him.  Y'all can haggle over the rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Mon 15 Mar 2010.

Dyanna saunters up, looks upon the pile of magic items and smiles.

"Shall I be the deck mistress?" she asks, gazing at the onlookers.  "Anyone feel touched by fortune's fair hand?"

Approaching the deck she looks on, smiles covetously and looks at those gathered.

"If I survive, I would also claim the finely crafted studded leather for my own," she says.  "And the Ring allowing for safe landing (feather falling)."

With that, she turns and draws one card from the deck before anyone can stop her.

OOC: She wants Ring of Feather Falling and +2 studded leather.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

          Not wishing to murder a companion, the Stridesman takes the next best
option left open to him . . .    Angered that Dyanna hath taken liberties with-
out a firm decision having being made by a consensus, Gultunga draws his weapon
before anyone else can react, and without forethought strikes the deck that
still lies upon the ground with all his might whilst madly screaming  . . .

         "Thee hath gone much too far wench whence we wished to take counsil, n'
thee acts most like thy power monger n' brash friend Pyotr n' stead!  His
witching ways hath corrupted thy mind as well!  This tis the only reconing that Gultunga knows . . . a curse upon the for thy action."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

Gultunga's blade bounces off the deck without so much as scratching the surface or disturbing the stack.

Dyanna looks at her card and sees the image of a sun and feels actual warmth leave the card and enter her.

Behind her a large 2' by 3' standing mirror appears.

Miroslav leaps back, half from the shock of the draw and appearance on the mirror and half to evade Gultunga's swing.
Ok just for the sake of play, lets assume that the sage consulted left the deck uncovered. Doubtful that Miroslav would do that since he is not so magic friendly. Yes you do need to declare how many draws you will make. Since Dyanna did not declare we will go with default as one draw. A house rule....there is not a limited number of certain cards per deck...there may be several duplicate cards in the deck. I will be going random with the results so it will be possible to have to face death two or three times:) Obviously if you are sucked into the void you other draws are void. Have fun!

"Stay your hand Gultunga. This one will belong to no one I suspect."

The courageous (foolish) Knight steps forward and declares in a strong (stupid) voice.

"I will draw three."

      Gultunga still wrought with anger over the wenches act of contrariness,
grabs up the whole deck, and thows it at the mirror in an overt show of dis-
content over his companions acting without mutual consent . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

The first draw brings forth a card with a picture of a medusae on it. Nothing happens.

His second card has a picture of an eagle talon on it...his mail armor and valued longsword vanish.

His third draw has a image of the moon on it..this moon has a face it seems to be alive. It looks deep into Jean's eyes when he looks at it then it says..."I grant thee three wishes but be quick about it!"

Barmak does a double-take when the Frankish knight unexpectedly takes no less than three draws from the magical deck.  Part of him shares Gultunga's outrage at the sudden impulsiveness the deck seems to have inspired in their company.  Yet at the strange appearance of the mirror and the voice offering Jean three wishes, the Persian feels a sense of envy so strong it hurts.

If I had been bold enough to draw, I might have gained those three wishes, he thinks jealously.  I may yet, if only I reach out my hand and take a card, while I have the chance...

He looks at Gultunga with furrowed brow, obviously conflicted.

Jean is taken aback and then composes himself stepping in close to the eldritch moon face and speaking very quietly.

Quick back post.....
The deck of cards stay together as Gultunga hurls them at the mirror. They bounce back to their original location as if magnetically drawn with harm to neither they or the mirror.

 Jeans wishes...

1st, his sword and armor show back up as quickly as the vanished.

2nd, a wide belt appears around the Frankish knights waist. He feels stronger than he ever has before.

The card with the moon on it looks angry and impatient but is not going anywhere on it's own.

2 draws for Balthazar please.  And yes, we all know they will be horrible.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:14, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

Miroslav, normally wary of magic, sees the good results from both Dyanna and Jean and cannot resist.

Not to be outdone by the knight he says..."I will also draw three." The card has a key on it...
His own axe changes form slightly as it lay on the ground next to his feet. It looks much the same but plainer. Next to it appears a map case.

His second draw...a card depicting a knight. From near the gate a lone Rus warrior approaches. He quickly draws near and dismounts bowing his head to Miroslav..."I am Boris Gorislavich, sent by the Knyaz to assist you in any way possible.

He makes his last draw...a card with the sun on it like Dyanna's draw. A pair of metal gauntlets seem to come out of the card and place them selves in a form fitting manner on his hands.

He sits back on his heels and breaths deeply in relief.

Important!  Just in case Balthazar has to fight the death, he loads up on magic missiles beforehand and casts mirror image before he draws from the deck.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

Don't forget that Balthazar also can use his scimitar if need be....

The Hedonite's first draw...a card depicting a flame. A sense of dread falls over the mage but nothing happens.

His second draw...a comet on the card. Again nothing happens.

Balthazar relaxes somewhat, "It went pretty bad, but it could have been worse.  Much like Sir Jean, I have gained a powerful enemy, but as it can't enter our world without assistance, I have nothing to fear at the moment."

Now that he has survived, Balthazar wishes to maximize his xp intake.  If this means taking nothing but coin and leaving the magic to everyone else, that's just dandy.  Otherwise, the wand of negation looks groovy.

The deck sits taunting and tempting...who will be next?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:26, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

Since his idea for how to disperse the treasure was clearly not perceived as useful Loukas shrugs and steps forward so that he is not utterly left out of things, "Well, I shall avoid yon deck of cards, but wish you all the best of fortune with it. The items I would have have already been called and I do not wish to dispute with Jaleh or Sir Jean or Bahmak over them, so I shall take my share in gems and coin."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Tue 16 Mar 2010.

"Actually Loukas I felt your suggestion was excellent. I merely felt a bit odd advocating for my own first choice and then became distracted by the deck."

"Your idea has merit."

With a glance at Gultunga Dyanna snorts in disgust.  Looking then to Sir Jean, a small smile of appreciation appears at the corner of her mouth.

"To the bold victor goes the spoils," she says to the Frankish knight.  "Both on the field of battle, and in games of chance."

She nears him and her smile beams - reality is that she is a very lovely woman.

"'Tis been a day of wonders," she continues.  "If you would, I would dine with thee this eve.  I think, perhaps, the conversation could prove enlightening, and I would learn your thoughts."

"Well, I suppose it's my turn then. Let's see what fate has mind for me." Giving A'kos a quick peck on the cheek, Jaleh hurries over to the deck while announcing, "I'm drawing three." She then reaches down to draw three cards.

Sorry, I skimmed the thread too quickly this morning to take in what your character said.  An interesting idea, but it seems that for Balthazar at least, nothing he is asking for is contested.

Balthazar wants: wand of negation, potion of speed, dagger +1.  If anybody has any interest in those, I missed it.

Jaleh draws he first card and it depicts a gem...suddenly mound of 50 valuable gems appear at her feet.

Her second draw...a carg with the picture of a wise old man. Nothing happens.

Her last draw...A card with a moon face on it that says to her..."You have two wishes, use then now or lose them!"

Barmak seemed about to respond to Loukas's statement when Jaleh drew her cards.  The sudden appearance of the gems at her feet stunned him into silence.  His mouth felt dry as he stared at them, wondering if they could possibly be real or were merely illusory.  When she, too, was told to make wishes, his mouth dropped open in amazement.

Madness, he thought.  These cards have made them all mad...but such riches...  With one draw I could return to my father with more wealth than the King.  His hands begin to tremble slightly as he feels the urge to reach for the deck, but again his eyes go back to Gultunga.

Or I could be obliterated.  This madness will consume me as well.

In reply to Dyanna. (msg #40):


Jean turns away from the moon-face and responds to Dyanna.

"Your invitation is unexpected as you have made no secret of your opinion of me. I will accept it however for if we are to travel together some effort must be made to understand one another."

"Of course there is much to do this day before the evening meal."


When Jaleh draws he says, "It seems fortune favors us all."

The moon card shouts out angrily at Jean who still holds it in his hand..."No wish can change the results of a draw! What is drawn is kept! Now choose before I vanish!!!"

When the card shouts at Sir Jean, Ro
2derychus, the Roman paladin leaps back and crosses himself. "I will have no part in this! Please give me my portion of the treasure in gold so that I may donate it to one of the city churches or orphanages."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

         Gultunga notices the intense desire in his friends sparkling orbs as
each card is drawn from the demons deck, and finds that he cannot allow his
tongue to remain silently still where Barmak tis concerned.  In a deep agitated
voice Gultunga voices his thoughts to Barmak . . .

         "Barmak doth naught let Gultunga still your hand for wot Gultunga hath
spoken.  It seems that our lives are naught worth the consideration of our fellow
sword companions whence the quest for power and greed are so readily at hand.  A
good number of our companions admire and praise those whom tempt the fates and
in so doing spurn the powers that be in their quest for the power they so seek
so fervently and without thought, no matter the risk to themselves or their
companions in the process.  Sword companions and sound mind be damned upon the
ship of fools that we now serve and give hand.  Gulungas advice my good friend,
draw wot ever cards thee so wish, for I fear that we are now marked for the
darkest of ends for what hath transpired here this day . . . to the great abyss
we shalt be hurled for our trespasses Gultunga fears!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

"Still your overworked tongue Gultunga. Your opinion is well known and your sidelong insults are becoming tiresome."

"Barmak I yet hold one wish. I will hold it a moment longer if you wish to draw and mayhap it can protect you from any foul result. But decide quickly the Moon card is growing impatient it seems and I would not waste it's power."

Barmak considers the Frankish knight's offer, his eyes coveting the cards.  Conflicting thoughts do battle within his mind.

Finally, he looks at Jean and says, "Your generosity is greater than I have come to expect from your people, Christian.  You are to be much praised, for it is as great as your courage.  But...if I am to win riches and increase my family name, I shall do so of my own efforts, and not by sorcery."  He smiles, feeling the tension leave his shoulders as a strange peace comes over him.  "I thank you, Sir Jean, but I shall abstain.  Make your final wish as you will."

A'kos looks on in some interest as Jaleh draws, his hand held loosely on the hilt of his sword should some fell fate befall her.  He steps forward as she pulls the cards from the deck, then back as she is given her reward.

"Fortune smiles broadly upon us all this day," he notes, though he makes no move toward the deck of enchanted cards.  "My folk have an old saying, 'Be careful what you wish for...'"

"I would relate the same to each of you."

With that he awaits the outcome of this test of will and luck.

        Whilst giving a rather obvious outward sigh of relief in response to
his sword companions public declaration over the matter of the ensorceled cards
that are so readily at hand, Gultunga slaps Barmaks back several times in
warm comradery.

        The Stridesman makes known his feelings on the matter to his faithful
and stout sword companion . . .

        "Thee r'e much wiser than most Barmak, n' Gultunga gives praise to the
gods that there is at least one amongst us that hath truely been blessed with
the wisdom needed to survive the many travails that life presents us with n'
prepares us for the next.  To sell ones soul to hath a more comfortable life in
the present tis foolhardy.  Gultunga n' Barmak hath truely passed one of lifes
many arduous trials, but Gultunga fears that there shalt be many more to come
n' the near future!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Wed 17 Mar 2010.

As she watches the others scramble to pull their cards, Dyanna replies to Sir Jean.

"I hardly had formed an opinion one way or the other," she shrugged.  "Seems that you are one much respected by your peers, and you show the admirable quality of seeing all sides of each issue.  Forethought blended with decisive action...you are indeed a rare individual, and I would break bread with thee to learn more of your thoughts." 
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Thu 18 Mar 2010.

OOC: I was swimming in the pool at the Y just now, and I was thinking about what I would have done had Balthazar gotten wishes, so ...

Balthazar says, "Say, if anybody has any wishes left, it might be nice to learn the extent of the Emperor's involvement with Nicephorus' treachery, or any knowledge about Nicephorus' personal defenses or plans."

Loukas gives Balthazar a pitying look, "The Emperor's involvement in Nicephorus's plans? You mean if he was not intimately involved in the scheme we might take back all of the bad things we have said about him?"

Looking around at the others he continues, "If His Imperial Majesty is utterly ignorant of things, I'd still love the opportunity to stick a blade into him. As far as Nicephorus goes, it would be more useful to know his plans than his personal defenses. After all, he is just a functionary and if we killed him he would be replaced... And John would not have whomever it is doing anything different than Nicephorus has and is doing. Of course, this is just my opinion..."

As the others continue their card playing Dyanna pokes around the pile of finely crafted studded armor and finds a set closely matched to her size.

"This should suffice," she says, holding the cuirass up for all to see.  "Unless anyone has an objection?"

One eyebrow is raised in question.

If no one objects she stands off to the side and awaits the division of spoils, particularly the coins and jewels/gems.

Balthazar is operating under the assumption that the magic of armor won't function while he has a ring of protection, but if I'm mistaken then Balthazar would like a suit of magic studded leather too, but with 5 suits I think there are enough to go around.  If not, he's happy to let Dyanna have it.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Fri 19 Mar 2010.

Growing bored with the greed around him, A'kos shrugs.  Calling to Jaleh he says, "Don't do anything...permanent!"

With a grin for the dark skinned woman he turns and makes his way to the armorer in camp to ensure the fit on his new armor is properly set.

Dyanna says to Sir Jean, "I shall seek you out prior to the sun's setting."

To Balthazar she then asks, "Shall we study some more the relic?"

Jean speaks as he picks up the ruby periapt of wound closure.

"It seems we are in accord as to the division of spoils."

To Dyanna he says, "I will look forward to it."

And finally he turns to the Moon-faced card and speaks quietly once more.


With those things resolved he begins preparations to ride escort to the aquaduct.

Sir Jean and anyone around him feels the temp dip a few degrees and the wind pick up. Nothing else happens.

      Gultunga steps forward and addresses Sir Jean . . .

      Hold Sir Jean! Nothing hath been agreed upon, though ye say it, it doth
naught make it so!  Ye hath taken wontonly, without fairness, n' wi naught
any never mind to any O' those that hath naught chosen a thing as yet,
like yourself n' several others hath already done;  ye hath greedily taken thy
first pick O' magic treasure wonce ye n' several tuthers took cards from the
deck O' cards.  Let some O' us take our pick now before ye grab anything else;
wonce those that hath naught picked picked then take something else,  I hath
already laid claim to the periapt though it be naught in my hand.  Ye hath been
mighty unreasonable so far by thy actions, n' continue to do act thusly without
considering other!  Ye must think us to be so unimportant that our words be like
chaff in the wind.  Ye think yourself a noble man, yet ye act like it naught.
Allows tuthers to hath a pick, n' wait patiently till we r'e done for those that hath naught picked a thing yet like yourself n' several tuthers.  I hath already mentioned that I wish to lay claim to wot thee hath taken without any the one
elses consideration. (See message 16)  Show thy nobility, breeding, and fairness,
r'e be thought tutherwise amongst a good portion O' r'e crew . . . they doth naught already think it!  Nobility tis truely naught by birth, but demonstrated
by ones actions n' a chivalrous heart.  Give us proof that ye hath such a thing
beating in your chest or allow us all to think tutherwise!!  Put the periapt back . . . Sir.
      Obviously ye hath ignored wot hath been spoken before as to lay claim to it and take it so greedily . . .

See Message #16 of this thread for Gultungas claim on periapt . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Tue 23 Mar 2010.

Loukas turns to Gultanga, "We heard your claim, Northman, but Sir Jean's contribution were somewhat greater than even your own. Most of us lost some blood in the battle and some of us even had some larger involvement in matters leading up to our taking the walls here. Indeed, as much as I would like to have the gem myself, Sir Jean's actions merit it most."

Miroslav nods his head in agreement with Loukas..."Aye, Sir Jean saved the day with his clever treatment of the Efreeti. First choice of items should go to him."

Jean's eyes flashed as the Finn's insulting rant continued.

He laid his hand upon the hilt of Coffin Nail but restrained himself as Loukas and Miroslav spoke on his behalf.

"I have sought to take the advice of those who say that my temper is too quick but you, Gultunga, are testing me sorely."

The Knight very pointedly places the periapt inside his tunic.

"Are you satisfied with the word of these two?"

"I was thinking more of a mini-vacation from all this stress.  Do you think the captured city is safe for carousing yet?"

Dyanna laughs.

"Nay, the 'captured' city has yet to actually be captured, Mage," she replies.  "Even now Dobrynya's men begin the task of liberation."

After a moment she adds, "Of course, it depends upon your idea of carousing."

The smile she offers is slightly predatory.

While most of the others talked and bickered over the remains of the treasure, Jaleh gathered up her gems then walked off a little ways so she could whisper her wishes in private to the card. She shot a smile back at A'kos when he called to her and wondered if there would be any treasure allotted for her. Did they even consider her contributions to the battle? She put it out of her mind and concentrated on what she was about to do and then whispered over the card.


She paused then notably mark that as the end of one wish. There were few rules to these things, but she was fairly certain that it all had to fit in one sentence. She then whispered again...


Once finished, she walked back toward the group around the treasure to see what was remained.

"Well, I don't have any charm spells memorized at the moment, so that idea is out.  Too bad we haven't even managed to take over one lousy tavern in this town.  Hmmm...  you know it occurs to me that we wasted a golden opportunity with those cards.  We should have played strip deck of many things!"

As Jaleh stands and looks at the remaining loot, watching Miroslav sort things into piles, she feels a note slip into her hand. She turns and sees no one. But there is indeed a note in her hand.

        Gultunga looks to Miroslav, spits upon the ground to show his disgust,
and makes known his feelings . . .

        I wish naught to travel with such greedy and ignoble companions,
whom appear to be possessed by vile spirits, and wilst sell their souls
to gain the power which they so seek!  There be only a few amongst us that
hath open reasonable ears, n' that doth naught act wontonly before discussing
things amongst one another.

        Their be those whom respect their greed, n' naught anything else.
I'm most glad that Jean tisn't a leader of my people or they wouldst all desert
him n' the bat O' an eyelash.  Though he mayst claim noble blood, he doth na
hath a noble heart or ear.

         I wouldst request of thee a transfer to the command O' another Captain
as I am sickened at many O' my companions behaviors.  I wish naught to hath
such ilk at my side."  Wot says thee Miroslav . . . Nestor?

        The Stridesmans icey blue orbs turn towards Barmak and several of his
other companions that have acted more reasonably than the others . . .

        If any O' thee r'e discontented o'er some O' r'e possessed companions, ye mayst so decide as hath I to transfer to another command.  Wot says thee?

        I would also suggest if any the one took magic, they should leave the
coin and jewels behind for the others that hath not taken any magical items
. . . for there is naught that I'm in wont o' here where magic items r'e
concerned."

This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

Jean steps forward and swings a heavy handed punch at Gultunga's mouth.


"Your go to far hireling!"

        Not wishing to sully his hands on such ilk as the ignoble Sir Jean,
the Stridesman lithely engages in kicking his opponent.  Gultunga briefly
engages in a deep laugh whilst following through with his blow to his
opponent; Afterwards Gultunga bellows, Wot be thy answer Captain?"

For unarmed combat I am using the painfully slow method put forth in the DM guide...no need to roll, just let me know your intentions.

Miroslav steps forward with his fist clenched but before he does anything Jean's blow catches Gultunga square and unprepared, the Norseman crashes down into the dusty street completely stunned. He is unable to do anything but try to focus his eyes this round.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Wed 24 Mar 2010.

Angered beyond words Sir Jean aims a savage kick at the verbose idiot's dizzy head.

Looks like Gultunga beat me to the post last time...regardless it stands as I rolled.
Gultunga in his stupor lashes out but is totally ineffective, Jean on the other hand lands a booted foot in the Norsemans face stunning him for another round.

Jean can hit the stunned man again if he chooses.

Jean strikes the big Finn again.

More luck than anything else but Gultunga manages to convulse himself away from Jean's blow this time around. His eyes begin to clear. Unfortunately for him Jean retains initiative this coming round.

Hearing the ruckus behind her, Dyanna turns and makes her way back to the fighting.

"Such accusations from a man who spent the better part of the aftermath of battle looting dead bodies!" says Dyanna with ironic flair.  "One should have a care to cast stones if one has stained hands, yet it seems the hypocrite gets his just reward..."

The Knight continues to press the attack raining blows on the staggered norseman.

"Dyanna, why are those 2 warriors fighting?" asks Balthazar, completely ignorant of the situation.

"It has something to do with what dangles between their legs," she replies blandly.  "Although Gultunga's pair has taken their fair share of a beating o'er the past few days..."

Loukas was taken aback. Certainly after all of this time amongst this crew he was used to being accused of having, well, a bad attitude. Or at least a loose tongue... Being disrespectful or just verbally aggressive. To be accused of... What is it that he's being accused of?

As he mused upon this Sir Jean threw his punch. And then kicked his kicked. Looking at whomever is around him, "Well, it seems to me that Jean has a good point..."

He shouts out, unsure that it'll make a difference, but he can't help himself, "Gultunga, you seem to be the only one whining, yet for all of your words you still have not told us why you merit the jewel more than Sir Jean. Not that it would make a difference! If you wish to stay with us, that is fine by me as long as you apologize to the Frank, Miroslav, myself, and everyone else, because even if they have not spoken out their silence indicates that they have agreed with the division of the spoils.

"Otherwise, pick yourself up and find another crew, as we of the Heart of Oak have work yet to do."

Jean interrupts Loukas's tirade with another boot to Gultunga's skull knocking him out cold.

The Norseman falls back from his semi risen position and looks like a babe sleeping in the dust.

Miroslav looks down angrily at Gultunga then at Jean and says..."I would have not been so merciful...to spit and curse upon Mati Syra Zemlya (Mother moist earth) is a great offense to the Rus."

To the rest he says..."Are there any complaints about the split of the treasure? I did as best as I could and Dobrynya himself even offered a few more pieces of gold to even things out. I daresay a generous amount! Now some will elave tonight and some will leave in the morn. Let us either get ready to move out or get a good nights rest."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

Zmija taps Balthazar on the arm and says..."We will continue in the morn as well. I will hold the cube this night if you wish to carouse but tomorrow I turn it over to you. I do not feel a connection to it or it's magic in any way. It feels like cold dead metal to me. Miroslav has vouched that you are to be trusted with all things of this nature to both myself and Lord Dobrynya."

In reply to Nestor (msg #84):

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

Jean returns Miroslav's look.

"I will remember that. My apologies if you felt you had the right of way and also to you Loukas. Perhaps I could have left him conscious long enough for you to finish had I not been so angry but I have stood quite too many insults today."

He clapped Loukas on the shoulder, "Your words did me honor. The more coming from one with whom I have come near to blows in the past. His slander of you was baseless."

The Knight picks up his helm and stands over the fallen Gultunga.

"You may yet have satisfaction for I fear he will not learn from this lesson. I wonder if he will realize you divided the spoils almost exactly as he asked with my part being only the gem? We shall see when he wakes."

Shaking his head the Frank headed for the shack in which he had stabled his horse.

Zmija approaches the fallen Norseman and lays his hands on him...the healing energy of his god passes through him and into the man he kneels before. This will not heal him completely as he will be sore in the morning but it does bring him around and heals any real damage.

He keeps his hand on Gultunga's chest as the man wakes..."Wait until the cobwebs clear before you stand. it will not do if you fall and hit your head and undo my healing."

He hold sup a hand to stop Miroslav who is slowly walking away..."I would aks tha tyou leave Loukas with me rather than send him off this night. I have something to discuss with him that may prove to be of some import?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Thu 25 Mar 2010.

Jaleh spent a few moments looking over the note that had been so stealthily delivered into her hands. She then folded it up and after tapping it on her fingers absently a few times, tucked it away securely in a wrist band,

"I have no complaints. I wasn't forgotten, so thank you." Jaleh answered Miroslav just as the man began to walk away. Just as she had noticed A'kos doing, Jaleh took her leave of the rest to hunt down an armorer to make adjustments to her own suit so it would fit properly.

Balthazar seems absent-minded after talking to Oleg.  When Zmija talks to him, he says, "What, oh no, I won't be carousing tonight.  Who mentioned that?  I need to get a good night's sleep.  I have a big morning of study ahead of me! Don't worry, all the arcane goodies are in good hands."

"See, that's because they don't have Hedonite training.  We're taught how to use the hangily dangilies properly."

The Persian watched the brawl between Gultunga and Jean with wide eyes, conflicted over what action to take.  Part of him had wanted to intervene, to draw his friend back and try to calm tempers, but a voice in the back of his mind warned him against interfering in a fight where the honor of proud men was at stake.

When two dogs fight in the street, his father's voice opined in his memory, they do not recognize their masters.  Barmak had no desire to get bitten.

Instead, he waited and watched with deep concern.  When Gultunga was stricken to the ground, he moved to the man's side, watching Zmija restore his health.  "I shall help," Barmak offered, helping to shoulder some of Gultunga's weight as they brought him to his feet.  In light of his indecision, his words tasted like bitter gall, and he felt ashamed.

Loukas was somewhat taken aback when he heard Zmija's request. Perhaps some sort of special assignment for the Knyaz? I suspect my uncle would be advising me to run as if my ass were on fire right now... Oh, Uncle Loukas, I could use your counsel now more than ever! He gave Miroslav a somewhat hopeless look but shrugged to signify acceptance.

When they were alone he grinned, "So? I hope you are not seeking some assistance with a theological or philosophical problem, my friend. I am afraid that is more you people's work than mine own."

A'kos returns to see Gultunga in the dirt and Jean storming away.  Shaking his head he finds Jaleh and asks, "What happened here."

As he listens, he fiddles with his new armor, setting the straps and adjusting to the weight.  He is ready for their mission, feeling the mounting excitement of a raider in his bones.

Looking at her he asks softly, with a slight grin, "What did you wish for, little woman?"

Jaleh, seeing A'kos again, smiled and snickered a bit as she told him, "Gull-tugger, or whatever his is, got lippy and started ranting then the Frank there beat him like a dog. You missed it, it was funny."

Jaleh went back to fiddling with her own things a bit and since she noticed A'kos getting ready for a mission, sat about getting her things ready to go as well. "Riches and wealth, what else?" she told A'kos with a joking grin. "Actually that's not far from it. I wished for a very large inheritance. In fact, I've got a little business in Cheresones I need to deal with before anything else. I also wished for better training with my bow."

"I'll be happy to train you," grins A'kos with a leer, before growing serious and saying, "Hope these buffoons take care of Wind - can't imagine we'd be going into the city on horseback...happy I have Leo though.  He should be a good scout - scare the snot out of any non combatants, high tail it back here if he meets up with bad guys..."

Please with his plan he nods firmly to himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Sun 28 Mar 2010.

"Okay, but I am talking about archery." She told A'kos, noting the leer he gave her. "You really think we'll need Leo to travel through the city? Want to go now?"

A'kos glances at her and mulls it over.

Finally he chuckles and replies, "Yeah, I do, but I think we're better waiting for tonight, and the rest of the group.  Too many moving pieces in the city, and not sure who's firing at who - just the two of us would be overwhelmed by one of the mongrel warparties if we should stumble upon them as they leave the city.  Better to have a few extra swords with us tonight."

"Of course, if you twisted my arm..." he laughs.

"I'm not twisting your arm, you know better than that!" She protest6ed playfully. "I just need to go before too much longer."

"Into the city," asks A'kos.  "or actually leave to go elsewhere?"

"Into the city. I mean, that is Cheresones, isn't it? I need to go to Row 1 church street," she answered.

"Is that the name of this place?" shrugs the Falcon, then adds, "If you're in a hurry I'll play escort, but let's be about it while the sun's still up.  Things tend to get confused at night, and I don't fancy being a pincushion for the mongrels...or our group."

"I don't fancy being a pincushion myself." Jaleh replied while casting A'kos a look that only a lady could properly give a man. "I'm not in a great hurry, but there's no sense in putting it off. I mean after all, there could be some other heir that wants to challenge my claim."

Cheresone is the Greek name for the city...the Rus renamed it Khorsun...much easier to wrap the brain around IMO.

A'kos and Jaleh report to the 'Church Row" thread please:)

The rest of you can tool around for the day...Barmak will be joining Jaleh, Oleg and whoever else when the sun goes down for a quick scout, they will get their own thread.

Dyanna, Loukas, Balthazar and Zmija will be staying behind to study the cube and such, they will also get a thread.

The rest will be escort to the water crew and will remain on this thread.

Balthazar mentions something about needing to memorize a gazillion attack spells so he can defeat his next enemy and retires to his room.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:10, Mon 29 Mar 2010.

With Balthazar's departure Dyanna seeks out Sir Jean.

Finding him she says, "Have you eaten yet?  I would talk with thee awhile if you've the time."

The Knight is seeing to his horse. Preparing it for the escort ride later today.

When approached by Dyanna he finishes quickly and quickly washes his hands and face in a bucket.

"I am free to join you and curious what the camp cooks have prepared. Campaigning is something of a culinary adventure."

"Aye," nods Dyanna with laughter.  "Perhaps I should be grateful for any simple fair...but meals cooked for large numbers tend toward too much of one thing and not enough of the other.  My mothers clever hands, now, she could cook..."

Her voice fades.  For a moment she looks wistful, then looks at the knight and smiles and shrugs.

"Such memories keep me warm betimes.  Do you have such as well?"

Walking toward the mess Jean recalls his youth.

"My mother was a beautiful woman. The Flower of Champagne she was called. I recall her watching me from the upper window as I was training in the yard with Meister Talhoffer. I touched her hand once at Christmas."

He smiled at the memory but it was thin slightly pained smile.

"Of course I spent most of my youth on campaign with my father. His cooks were always excellent. "Hunger kills more soldiers than swords" he used to say."

"You were a boy when you squired for your father?" asks Dyanna, and understanding comes at this insight.  "A rugged life for a young man - no quiet life for you.  But, I wonder, would you trade such for a quiet, humble existence?"

"I have no talent for peace. God built me for war and my life is dedicated to finding conflicts worthy of that gift."

"I had doubt about this one until I witnessed the actions of the Pechenegs."


Anger flashed in his eyes for a moment obviously directed at the traitorous mercenaries.

"Of course I also want to earn lands of my own so that I may settle down when my fighting days are done."

Hours later, as the sun begins to set, Balthazar emerges from his study.  He is wearing an odd patched robe with many pockets over his armor and appears dressed for war, with his scimitar and magic dagger at his hip, his bow slung across his back, and his quiver full of arrows.  He has a dagger in a special holster in each boot, and his wand is ready to go in a special holster along his left arm.  He wears a bright red bandana.  He gathers Loukas, Barmak, and Zmija.  He says:

"Gentlemen, I am going out on a mission into the city.  The city is ancient and undoubtedly contains a library possessing spell books that I need and treatises on magical lore that will help me unravel the mystery of the cube.  I would be glad if any or all of the 3 of you were to accompany me.  The city is still dangerous, and it is unknown what tricks or traps may be guarding the magical books in the library.  I recommend we each dress as the locals, but wear an identifying red bandana.  We can then inform Dobrynya to tell his troops to watch for men returning dressed as the enemy but wearing these headbands.  So, who will be accompanying me?"

If anybody asks about his odd robe, he explains that he has cast the deeppockets spell so that he can easily transport the spellbooks or other magical finds on his person.  One of his pockets contains 5 cubic feet of volume.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Wed 31 Mar 2010.

Zmija replies..."'Barmak is to travel with Jaleh and Oleg into the city tonight so he will not be able to join us but Dyanna will. Loukas and I will join you as well. There is much I much discuss with the young man and traveling on the roads of this city is as good a place as any.

Loukas, Balthazar and Dyanna to the thread Cube Route please! Finish up what you are doing in this thread...Dyanna you are not bound to go with the others but invited.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Wed 31 Mar 2010.

"All men are made for war," shrugs Dyanna somberly.  "Some better than most.  I suppose it's the fight each of us chooses that defines our souls.  Even so, war is an ugly thing with little redeeming virtue, and it is the innocents who suffer the most."

With that she looks up and adds, "I chose not to be among the innocents...my own childhood taught me that."

Seeing the light of the sun fade during a companionable dinner she finishes the last bit of bread and says, "No fey maiden am I like Alyna with her charms, but I enjoyed our brief conversation.  You are an interesting man beyond your spurs...I would talk with you further, if opportunity arises, but now must go in search of Balthazar before he does something silly...like heading into the town without me."

Smiling, she stands from the fire and bows, saying, "I bid thee adieu, Sir Knight."

Standing also Jean returns the bow with a solemn nod.

"We would miss him if he were lost. I look forward to our next conversation."

He pondered her purpose in comparing herself to the shrinking violet Alyna as he headed back to his horse.

Barmak nods as Zmija speaks for him.  "May Fate smile upon you, Balthazar," he says in parting.  "We shall look for your good return."

Dobrynya calls for those who remain in the camp to join him for war council in the building he has set up HQ in.

Miroslav goes in search of the Frankish knight, Roderychus, Coon, Radvila and Ulfr, collecting them all so they may join him in Dobrynya's makeshift court.

Sir Jean arrives with his massive war mount in tow.

Radvila, the man from the Baltic coast arrives just minutes after Sir Jean but he is on foot. He eyes the great warhorse of the Frankish knight with admiration and perhaps a little apprehension.

His from a long line of sailors, merchants and pirates: nary a horseman can be found on his family tree. He is fine on the back of a nag but would not dare mount a beast such as this.

Barmak quietly goes to the makeshift headquarters, taking his place among the gathering men with a contrite expression.  He meets no one's eye, still feeling shame over his earlier inaction, though he does glance up occasionally to search the gathering for Gultunga.

Barmak does spot Gultunga in the crowd. He seems to have taken up with a Varangian captain under Dobrynya. The Varangians are an interesting mix of Slav and Norse plus anyone else they absorb...Gultunga seems to have fallen in with a mostly Norse bunch though. He ignore his former comrades as he takes advantage of the unlimted mead, wine and raki supplied by their host.

For all of the rough treatment at Jeans hands, he only sports a black eye.

Ulfr shows up a bit later than most but makes up for his tardiness by refilling everyones drinks after he takes a pitcher of fermented raki from the hands of a serving wench.

"I apologize for my lateness. Please accept this drink poured from my own hand."

He then plops himself on a bench besides Radvila. These two have become quite good friends over the course of the voyage. Bot are a outsiders it seems but that suits Ulfr just fine.

Miroslav comes in last with Conn in tow..."I cannot find Roderychus anywhere and it seems his horse and gear is missing as well. Fighting your own is hard pill to swallow for some. I think Roderychus could not stomach a war against Byzantium even if he was betrayed by his own emperor."

He finds a spot on a bench next to the Frank and grabs a goblet of wine from the table and drinks deeply.

"A shame. He was a Good Man."

Miroslav raised his goblet and says..."Aye, a good man indeed, here's to Roderychus." He drinks a toast to his comrade in arms even if he is no where to be seen.

Dobrynya stands from his spot behind a table and addresses those gathered..."We have news! Yaroslav has arrived form Kiev with almost 1000 troops. They are setting up camp outside the north gate as we speak. The Knyaz and his ships have entered the harbor and captured the dock area laying seige to the palace right at this very moment according to messengers who have just arrive. it is clear that Khorsun will be in our hands shortly."

"There is still the problem of untold Pecheneg mercs in the city...I would hear some suggestions for what we can do about this."

Jean raises his glass to the Paladin as well and then he considered Dobrynya's request.

Fairly certain that "Kill them" is a bit to obvious he says,

"It is possible that if we are able to contact those who run the city, not the rulers in the palace but rather those who will run the city even after we have taken it, they would be agreeable to an alliance against the Pecheneg trash."

"I agree with the Franj," Barmak says.  "After seeing how their mercenaries have turned on them, the city leaders may find the mercies of the Rus far more palatable than the rapine of the Pechenegs.  If they are given the offer to surrender, they can at least hope to keep their heads, if not their riches.  If they serve well, they may refill their coffers in time."

"For sure we will work with those who run the city. I doubt that we will be harder to deal with than the Byzantine bureaucracy or the Pecheneg horde. Out fir problem is how do we rid the city of these Pechenegs? Hunting them down might prove a time consuming activity. There are too may places for them to hide."

"It has been suggested that we let them retreat through the North gate but that does not sit well with me either. Surely they will rob the city blind on their way out then I will be stuck here regent over a city ravaged by both battle and looting."

"You could withdraw as many of your troops as possible, march them around the walls into position, allow the pechenegs to escape via the north gate, and then ambush them in the open and destroy the traitorous scum in detail."


"If you are of a mind to. Though they would do some damage looting on the way out most of the loot could be recovered after they are dead."

Dobrynya smiles at the Franks suggestion..."Ah! We let them escape but destroy them in the pass leaving the area. This is a plan I can get behind. We send word to Sviatoslav to drive them north, We send word to the Pechenegs that we will let them leave the city unmolested. Once they are beyond the gates they will be fair game for us we do not promise more than that they gets will be left open and they may escape through them without being molested."

"Those who would betray the trust of an ally and do sore harm to innocents deserve no better."

"Ah, A sound plan with those thousand troops from Kiev waiting on the outside of the gate!We will need to watch out own interests here in the north of the city with a strong showing of your men my Lord. Much has been done the last few days and I would hate to see the bastard Pechenegs pass through and set it all ablaze...they absolutely cannot be trusted.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Mon 26 Apr 2010.

"Of course, of course , good thinking my s..." he stops talking as if somehow his train of thought.

"When you send your scouts into the city this night just let them record what they see and where the Pechenegs are holing up. We will then send word that we are giving them free leave of the city but will create a corridor that they must pass through to get outside. Once out of the gate the Kievan troops will fall upon them."

"It shall be done," Barmak says.  "We shall keep a keen eye as we move through the city, and bring you an accounting of our witness."

The Persian feels his spirits rising for some reason.  Perhaps it is the opportunity to sneak through the city streets rather than defend a gate or engage the Pecheneg foes head-on that grants him a sense of optimism.

The future regent of Khorsun sits back and smiles..."Just keep up the good work and you will be rewarded very well! For now please accept my humble hospitality."

"Humility in the giving, yet not in the measure given, O munificent General.  Were a man so blessed as to receive such humble hospitality every day, I think he should not want for anything in life."  Barmak bows regally, touching his fingers to his forehead in a gesture of respect and gratitude.  "You make it my pleasure to serve."

"And serve you will!" the big Rus bellows out gleefully.

Obviously feeling the effects of the wine, Miro slav stands and slams his hand upon Barmaks shoulder saying..."It is a right good thing that you answered the post for crew men. I did not think we would get even one good man but by the Gods you and your lot have served well!"

Miroslav squints his eyes through the haze of wine as he sees the party approaching from the south..."Lo I see those gone to the library have returned....Balthazar, Dyanna, Loukas, Zmija, Come have a drink with us!" he slurs loudly.

"I think it best Balthazar and I return to our studies," replies Dyanna.  "Many thanks for the offer, though."

After the long conversation he's had with Zmija during Balthazar's mission Loukas returned in a considerably different headspace than before they'd left. It was good to be back to Miroslav's side, but before joining them he glanced first to Zmija to see what he was going to do...

Zmija nods at Loukas..."Drink is the joy of the Rus!" he says as he reaches for a tankard of mead.

Fr one reason or another, Ulfr has taken it upon himself to be the serving wench for his comrades in arms this night. He carries around a great picture of foaming mead and fills a new tankard for each of his newly arrived comrades and pushes it upon them even if they don't look like they want to partake.

He is slightly more gentle with Dyanna as he offers her the cup with his own hand and a slight bow.

"Then it is time that I permit my Rus half free to enjoy itself!"

Miroslav walks over and claps Loukas on the shoulder with a ham hand and says..."Zmija and I do not see eye to eye on many things but we do agree on the subject of what makes a Rus truly happy! We come from the land of honey...honey that makes miod so sweet that event he gods journey to earth to partake! Let the Greeks swill their wine and raki...for Rus miod is the truth!"

For all his praise of mead Miroslav downs a tankard of green wine right after his speech, then another of raki.

Barmak is hesitant to partake of too much drink; he cannot help but feel guilty for drinking at all, but he reminds himself that clean water is less likely to be found in infidel lands, and with the city under siege he dares not risk trying to make his way to a well.  He decides to interpret the Prophet's prohibitions against drinking as forbidding only intoxication, and promises himself that he will not to drink to excess.

However, Ulfr's insistent urgings break down his reservations, and before long, he is joining in the raucous singing and laughter of his fellow warriors.  He even engages in some of the lively and spirited dancing of his homeland.

As he has shown before...get a little intoxicant in Miroslav and he will start to sing in his good strong baritone voice. A table provides his stage as he sings first in the language of his people then in Greek:

When you hear a Rus song do you tremble
Does your heart beat loudly in your chest
If so, then come to the Kretchma  It costs plenty, but it is the best
 And there is singing, and dancing, and the Rus miod is all right
Come to the Kretchma, that’s where they’ll get ya  Drinking miod every night
In the doorway there is standing a Varnager
His beard snowy white upon his chest
He is waiting for the lovely Natasha
She costs plenty, but she is the best
On the stairway there is standing Natasha
Her hips they keep time to the chants
When she sings her shoulders they vibrate
And when she does that, then you’ll discover that she can’t ... sing 

After the Greek version he sings the song again in Slavic and the other Rus at the feast join in

Laughing as he takes up a goblet, "Well, I must learn much about my mother's people, and Zmija's tutelage will help me, but I can see that you have much to teach as well. Shall we begin class with a song? Sing of our people, Miroslav!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Sat 01 May 2010.

As Miroslav finishes his rousing song, the figures of A'kos and Jaleh can be seen heading up the road from the south.

Dobrynya motions to Miroslav and the later approaches the future regent. After a few minutes of discussion Miroslav nods his head and walks over to the others to address them.

The night is now upon the city and the feast is slowly breaking up.

Miroslav finds a basin and splashes some cold water over his head to try and sober up a bit before talking...'There has been a slight change of plans. Dobrynya still needs some of you to go out to scout the Pechenegs in the city. Jaleh, Barmak, Oleg and Loukas are to do this. I know Zmija has requested that Loukas remain with him but Dobrynya has insisted. Zmija is free to join as well if he feels he needs to remain close to Loukas. You are to scout south and locate the Pecheneg base camp or camps.

Dyanna and Balthazar a free to study the cube and whatever materials they have returned with.
The rest of us are to escort the repairmen to the aqueduct immediately and not in the morning. They will repair the main by lantern light. Their repair wagon waits just inside the gate. Dobrynya feels this must be done as soon as possible since things are moving along faster than planned.

We will have a chance to sleep a few hours in the morning before word is sent to the Pechenegs that they may leave through the gate.

So now we all must prepare for the nights work ahead of us.

Loukas had downed a cup or two of wine before Miroslav made his announcement, so he was not nearly has inebriated as some, but two cups in such a short time is nevertheless affecting. When he heard his orders he raised his third cup in salute before finishing it off. Glancing at Zmija he smiled wryly while cracking, "Will I be traveling alone so soon, Master?"

After a quick sleep he awoke feeling some of the wine from earlier in the night, and dashing some water over his head he could not help but feel relief that he hadn't had more time to enjoy his Rus side. After gathering his weapons, rope and grapple, and other assorted gear he assembled with the rest of the scouting party.

Miroslav claps Sir Jean on the shoulder and says..."You take the command on this one my brother...I am too far into my cups for this and you have shown that you can be trusted a thousand times over."

That said the semi-drunken Rus finds his mount a slowly makes his way onto it's back. His new retainer Boris Gorislavich is right there to help him.

Barmak, Jaleh and Loukas join Oleg and Zmija in the thread titled "Scout"

Conn of Skye the Gaelic ranger stands from his seat around the feast table. Even though he drank a goodly portion of the mead he is feeling very little int he way of drunkenness, he obviously can hold his drink better than Miroslav (;P).

He quickly finds his mount and gears up waiting for Sir Jeans order to move out.

As he waits he flexes his arms and shoulders inspecting where his worst wounds had been. "Dobrynya's healers did an excellent job fixing me up!" he exclaims.

Seeing that he is no sort of horse man at all, Radvila secures himself a place on the repair crews wagon. He stands ready with his war hammer tucked in his belt and a loaded crossbow in hand.

"Very well."

He addresses all of those who are escorting the workers.

"Meet at the gate. We leave in ten minutes."

He then waits to see if anyone has anything to say before retrieving his warmount and riding to the gate.

Ulfr meets the others at the gate. He is mounted on a near workhorse sized beast. It was hard to find a horse that he felt he would not crush with his great bulk.

He calls out to Radvila "What gives brother? Are you too good to ride with us or are your legs unable to wrap around the belly of a horse?"

A'kos bids his leave of Jaleh with a whispered warning, "Have a care, little one."

Then he follows Jean to where the horses are tethered, and makes Storm's Wind ready.

"Eh, boy, ready to ride?"

The horse's ears perk at his whispered encouragement, and he readies the saddles, tack and harness with quick efficiency.  Mounting, he looks at the Frank and says, "Lead on...I am at your back."

Jean simply nods in response to A'kos.

Once everyone has arrived or the time set has passed he signals for the wagon to begin heading to the damaged part of the aqueduct.

"A'kos you and I will ride before the wagon. Ulfr behind."

The small group of guards and the repair wagon leave the North gate. Sir Jean and A'kos lead the way, Miroslav and Conn each flank the wagon while Ulfr and Boris provide the rear guard. Radvila rides in the wagon along with the 3 repairmen and two Rus archers.

The wagon is pulled by a team of two horses and is not very fast but moves along at a comfortable pace. One of the repairmen estimate that the ride will take a half hour on the road then ten more minutes off the road but there is a narrow service path to the Aqueduct so it will not be hard to reach.

Radvila calls out to Ulfr as they leave "My bandy sea legs fit the back of no horse known to mankind. I am glad to see they found an oxen that could handle your great belly!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Sat 08 May 2010.

A'kos gives Storm's Wind his head, allowing him to run a bit to work off energy built up by the rest.  He scouts a bit ahead, though he stays in sight of the party.

The trip to the damaged aqueduct passes not without incident. As the party reaches the broken duct they see three riders who were approaching from the other direction. Both parties see each other at the same time and are about 100 yards apart. Faced with a larger force the three riders turn and ride swiftly away. It is too far away to be sure and dark but they looked to be Pechenegs.

"They will return soon enough."

Jean rode his horse short distance in the direction of the riders.

"A'kos, you are the swiftest rider amongst us, follow them if you can, watch them, and return here with a warning if they mount an attack."

"Can you do this?"

To the work crews he barks.

"Begin repairs. You must work as swiftly as possible."

"The rest of us must keep a sharp watch."

The nervous workers do not need to be told twice. They unpack the large ceramic tube from it's protective wrapping inside the wagon and get to work removing the fragments of the original section broken by the party and busy them selves preparing the new section.

Miroslav and Boris scout the surrounding hills but stay in sight of the wagon and workers.

A'kos nods his head once and follows the riders at a distance, making note of the surrounding terrain for any hidey holes that might offer an ambush site.  He arms himself with a spear for the time being in case of sudden attack from his flanks, and keeps the mongrels in his sight.

Ulfr eases his great bulk down from his workhorse and begins to help the work crew handle the large section of pipe. He looks infinitely more suited to this type of work than he does that of a warrior. Even with his great strength he is clearly a craftsman at best and at worst a farmer.

A'kos watches the mongrels flee into the wood.  For a moment he contemplates following, but he is no fool and instead retreats back to the work crew.

"They fled into a small copse of trees ahead," he tells Jean.  "A likely spot for ambush, so I came back to report.  I'll move ahead again and keep watch - I'll be in shouting distance, so if they're up for a frolic I'll whistle...might just leave you one just for fun and giggles if you don' take too long!"

With a chuckle he head's back up the road, pulling the lion carving again from his pouch.  Whispering the activation he tosses it toward the ground and grins at the appearance of a fully grown Lion.

"Hello, friend," he says softly before turning his eyes toward the trees.  "Roam a bit off to my left, if you will and keep an eye out for...prey."

A'kos and his lion head along the trail towards the thinly forested area. Before he gets within 100 feet of the trees...

zing...
whizzz...
Zing....

Three arrows fly over his left shoulder and into the brush on the other side of the path. Then there is a massive commotion in the trees as the three horsemen break out of the cover and head off at top speed. Un fortunately for them they get tangled in the brush and each other and their escape is not all that quick. Leo is almost upon them before they made their escape.

"Hoy, foes," cries A'kos over his shoulder before grabbing a spear kicking Storm's Wind forward.  "Fly, horse, fly!" he continues jubilantly, and once within range he throws his spear forward and draws his sword.

20:37, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 8 using 1d6+2. initiative.


"Attack the rear one, Leo," he calls as he looses his throw.

20:36, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 3 using 1d6. dmg.
20:35, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 25 using 3d20 with rolls of 7,14,4. Leo att's.
20:35, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 3 using 1d6+1. dmg.
20:34, Today: A'kos, the Falcon rolled 17 using 1d20+1. to hit.

"You men ward the workers. I will see to A'kos."

Jean heeled his warmount into motion and rode to the sound of A'kos' voice.

One of the Pecheneg riders fall to A'kos and the other to Leo as the Magyars spear enters the back and does it's best to exit the riders chest. The onyx claws of the black lion drag hte Pecheneg from his mount and make short work of the hybrid.

The last of the riders does something completely foolish and turns toward A'kos and the lion and with a fair bit of skill bypasses both. He is heading towards the onrushing Sir Jean but does not look like he is trying to engage the Frankish knight, instead it looks like he is going to try and get passed him as well.

A'kos wheels and follows on the mongrels rear right flank.  He asks Leo to do the same upon the opposite flank, though he will not engage until the Frank has had his chance.

As the mongrel rider nears Jean he begins to veer to the right. his left hand remains on the reins while his right hand fumbles with some sort of vial about 5 inches long.

Jean lowered his Spear and heeled his horse into a thundering charge.

Sir Jeans lance catches on the Pechenegs helmet and nearly rips the mongrels head off with the force. The hybrids horse runs off into the hills alone as the freshly dead hand of the raider still clutches the vial.

Conn rides ro where the fallen Pecheneg lays and dismounts. Stooping down he picks up the vial and looks for any markings upon it. if does not see any he will open the vial and lightly sniff it.

Miroslav the big Rus jumps from his mount and lunges at Conn knocking the vial from his hand...but it is too late. He has already taken a sniff of whatever was in the vial and is now on the ground, his breathing shallow and growing shallower by the second.

The area where the vial spilled turns brown and all the vegetation dies within a minute or two.

"Quickly Miros lift him to me! You men must ward the workers while I try to get him to a healer!"

Assuming Miroslav complies Jean will ride hell bent for town shouting for a healer as soon as he reaches the gate.

Miroslav tosses Conn onto the back of Sir Jean's mount with ease..."May Stribog be at your back!" he says as he slaps the rump of the Franks horse.

"God bless him if he can keep up! Donnerhuf FLY!!"

Bred to carry armored Knights into battle Jean's war mount was a freakish specimen of horseflesh. It hurtled toward the city at a speed frightening to behold in a beast of it's size.

The Frankish knights expertly trained mount races back to the city but before Sir Jean is even a sixteenth of the way back, he feels the body of Conn shudder behind him in it's death rattle. As he looks over his shoulder he sees than a very large amount of blackish brown sludge has flowed out of Conn's gaping mouth, nose and ears...almost like his organs had liquefied.

"Hades bloody balls," mutters A'kos as he watches the Frank speed away.

"Ah...damn..."

The taste of failure was bitter in his mouth as Jean turned his mount to return to the aquaduct repair site.

"God be with you on your journey friend."

The Knights face was downcast as he arrived back with the others and he dismounted quickly and began to wrap the remains of Conn in a blanket.

A'kos slows Storm's Wind as he nears the aqueduct, and mutters a brief prayer to the four winds.  Dismounting, he calls Leo to him, and mutters the activation word...and places the figurine back into his pocket.

Sighing, he kneels and assists Jean in wrapping up their fallen comrade's remains.

Radvila from the shores of the Baltic sea lowers his head and speaks in a language that no other present speaks, "Gegužės dievų pasigailėk mūsų visų." Then in Greek he says "These men were sent to poinson the cities water supplies."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Sat 05 June 2010.

Miroslav looks down sadly at the body of Conn as it is being wrapped then loaded into the wagon..."Conn was a Christian. We will find a priest in the city to perform rites for him when we return."

He looks to Radvila..."I agree with you. I believe they were sent to poison the water. Perhaps just tossing the open vial into the pipe would have done that, once it was repaired, perhaps not but that was the intent."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Mon 07 June 2010.

THe work crew do an excellent job repairing the aqueduct completely and quickly. By morning the party is back in Dobrynya's camp at the north gate being fed and rushed off to bunks in the makeshift garrison for a few hours sleep.

Jean sets himself to the task of finding a priest to perform funeral rites for Conn before he rests.

As it turns out there are a few Christian Rus among Dobrynya's retinue. One of them is a low level cleric but has performed the services more times than he should have in his few years.

The Knight prays for Conn and sees to the security of his property so that it can be transferred to his heir.

Quietly he vows on Conn's grave to visit retribution on the Pechenegs for their predations.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Mon 07 June 2010.