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.