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Defending the City.

Posted by NestorFor group 0
Heinrich
player, 74 posts
Traveler wandering
Wed 10 Oct 2012
at 04:06
  • msg #210

Re: Defending the City

Heinrich helps to escort the prisoners back to the city, then takes the first opportunity to restock his quivers with fresh arrows. He then goes to check the guard around the prisoners, seeing no need to leave anything to chance.

He then gets some sleep. Upon notification of the meeting, he checks the prisoners, and walks the walls until it is time to head to the meeting.
Ulfr
player, 39 posts
Delivery us from the fury
of the northmen!
Wed 10 Oct 2012
at 16:47
  • msg #211

Re: Defending the City

Ulfr spends the night with women who giggle when referred to as "ladies", and as much ale as he can lay hands on.

He'll be ready for the noon meeting, however.
Balthazar the Hedonite
player, 457 posts
Sorcerer
Wed 10 Oct 2012
at 18:54
  • msg #212

Re: Defending the City

A'kos, the Falcon:
A'kos spends the night with the finest Lady in the city.

;)


Balthazar laughs, "A'kos, I'll never understand why you don't embrace variety."
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 614 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Wed 10 Oct 2012
at 19:09
  • msg #213

Re: Defending the City

"Ah, my friend, there is much variety!  She teaches me something new every eventide..."
Dobrynya
GM, 33 posts
Sun 14 Oct 2012
at 04:58
  • msg #214

Re: Defending the City

The crew of the Heart of Oak are joined with several high ranking of Dobrynya's Druzhina and city officials, some Greek, some Rus and Varangian for a mid day feast of roast boar, duck and several varieties of fresh fish.

Dobrynya lets everyone eat their fill before standing and addressing the group."Time has come for a changing of the guard here in Khorsun. I long for my home in Novgorod. I leave the ruling of Khorsun in the capable hands of Miroslav, the captain of the Heart of Oak. This is will full consent of our Knyaz. The elders of the city have agreed on this. Miroslav has been reluctant in assuming this responsibility but I have been relentless. He has agreed to this just yesterday."

"I will be leaving for Novgorod within the week. Miroslav has made the Heart of Oak available for this trip."


He grabs a tankard of mead and raises it high..."Drink with me to the long health of Miroslav, Regent of Khorsun!"
Loukas Ouranus
player, 664 posts
Son of Greece and Rus
Brother of Volos
Sun 14 Oct 2012
at 16:29
  • msg #215

Re: Defending the City

Dobrynya's announcement is only a bit of a surprise, but still.... After all, this transition of power represented many things, but most of all it was symbolic of a new chapter not only for the Fellowship, but for Khorsun itself.

After drinking to Dobrynya's toast Loukas refills and stands, "My friends, I lift my cup and pledge to my Captain and Regent, Miroslav; however, let us not forget the man who has led this city since we liberated it from the Byzantines.

In doing so permit me to remind you why these past years have been so good for all of us and why they will continue to be so under Miroslav's leadership. It is because while he is certainly relentless, Dobrynya is also not unlike the Heart of Oak, whose qualities he also shares with Miroslav. Permit me to remind you, my friends, what those are...

Stamina: As the Pechenegs just learned, you may batter our gates, but you had better be prepared for our counter punch!

Will: An Emperor and a Khan have been taught a message by these two men and this city will not be deterred or intimidated by greater numbers or power!

Presence: I once made the point that we are all greater together than alone and under their leadership this city has not merely survived, but has become a beacon!

Prosperity: As I said, this city has become a beacon to all on the Black Sea not only because of the rebuilding that Dobrynya led and the defense Miroslav was so instrumental in, but that we stand here today accepting trade from all and funneling it to our Rus siblings and our Knyaz we are all richer today!

Liberation: Perhaps I repeat myself, but permit me to remind all that this city would be under the crushing hand of the Emperor or plundered by the barbarian fist of the Khan where it not for he who leaves us and he who will take his place and as a result our wise Knyaz continues to let the people of Khorsun enjoy the prosperity and good lives we have built!

Longevity: Need I say it? Our enemies would tear down these walls and destroy this Jewel of the Crimean; however, with leadership as we have had from Dobryna and with which he leaves us under Miroslav this city will continue... In a nutshell, my friends, Khorsun Stands!

I raise my cup and pledge myself to these virtues of The Heart of Oak and the men who represent them so well: our former and our new Regents. May Dobryna sail peacefully to his family and happiness in Novgorod; Miroslav sail the Ship of Khorsun as well as he has the Heart of Oak; and may Sviatoslav the Wise continue Captaining the Ship of the Rus!"
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 616 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Sun 14 Oct 2012
at 16:50
  • msg #216

Re: Defending the City

A'kos raises his cup aloft, grinning slightly as he listens to Loukas's lengthy speech.  When the monk is finished and settles himself, A'kos raises his cup slightly and says for the party's ears alone, "A fine bit of ass-kissing if I do say so myself, Loukas."
Loukas Ouranus
player, 665 posts
Son of Greece and Rus
Brother of Volos
Sun 14 Oct 2012
at 16:56
  • msg #217

Re: Defending the City

Loukas grins, raises his glass again and nods in reply to A'kos, "High praise, for if anyone knows how ass is kicked, my friend, it is The Falcon. To us all, the Fellowship of the Heart of Oak!"
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 617 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Sun 14 Oct 2012
at 17:16
  • msg #218

Re: Defending the City

A'kos snorts, takes a deep draught from his cup, then turns his attention back to Jaleh.
Balthazar the Hedonite
player, 458 posts
Sorcerer
Mon 15 Oct 2012
at 14:31
  • msg #219

Re: Defending the City

Balthazar gives Miroslav a hug and tells him he will miss his company.

"So fellow adventurers, what will it be next, taking down the Emperor or finding the Holy Grail?"
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 618 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Mon 15 Oct 2012
at 20:10
  • msg #220

Re: Defending the City

"Ach, what is this Holy Grail - rather I would search for the Lake wherein the sword of Arthur, King of the Britons, resides," snorts A'kos.  "Now that is a relic worth searching out!"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Mon 15 Oct 2012.
Balthazar the Hedonite
player, 459 posts
Sorcerer
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 01:35
  • msg #221

Re: Defending the City

A'kos, the Falcon:
"Ach, what is this Holy Grail - rather I would search for the Lake wherein the sword of Arthur, King of the Britons, resides," snorts A'kos.  "Now that is a relic worth searching out!"


Balthazar cradles his chin in thought.  "That's not a bad idea!  In fact, using Excalibur against the Emperor bears a certain appeal.  I propose Grail, Excalibur, then Emperor."
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 619 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 01:42
  • msg #222

Re: Defending the City

Pleased the magi accepted the idea, A'kos grins broadly...then turns his attention once again back to Jaleh.
Loukas Ouranus
player, 666 posts
Son of Greece and Rus
Brother of Volos
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 13:09
  • msg #223

Re: Defending the City

Loukas looked as skeptical as he felt about Balthazar's desire to obtain the Holy Grail, but A'kos's mention of Excalibur inspired an actual laugh, "Erm, fellows, are there not several reasons why none of us are likely to obtain these artifacts? For example, is not the Holy Grail called such for a reason? Is it not a Christian relic? Perhaps our old friends Roderychus or Sir Jean might have made an attempt to obtain it, but as one who has turned from that religion and has no desire to return to it, I know that I shall not. As far as the great sword goes, is it not the blade born by the King of the Britons? Only pulled by the man who will be their King?

"Is there not a relic of the Rus that would help ensure Sviatoslav and his son's rule or some item that would harm the Greeks would be more to the point?"

He looks around the table somberly, "It seems to me that we have come to a point where either our enemies will have been delayed for a short time or we must be prepared for the next battle. Let us be honest: had the Heart of Oak not returned when we did, where would be Khorsun be today? How distant do we dare travel?

"I suppose what I am asking is shouldn't we be putting ourselves on a mission that will have more certain results rather than chasing after these romances?"
Balthazar the Hedonite
player, 460 posts
Sorcerer
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 15:43
  • msg #224

Re: Defending the City

Loukas Ouranus:
Loukas looked as skeptical as he felt about Balthazar's desire to obtain the Holy Grail, but A'kos's mention of Excalibur inspired an actual laugh, "Erm, fellows, are there not several reasons why none of us are likely to obtain these artifacts? For example, is not the Holy Grail called such for a reason? Is it not a Christian relic? Perhaps our old friends Roderychus or Sir Jean might have made an attempt to obtain it, but as one who has turned from that religion and has no desire to return to it, I know that I shall not. As far as the great sword goes, is it not the blade born by the King of the Britons? Only pulled by the man who will be their King?

"Is there not a relic of the Rus that would help ensure Sviatoslav and his son's rule or some item that would harm the Greeks would be more to the point?"

He looks around the table somberly, "It seems to me that we have come to a point where either our enemies will have been delayed for a short time or we must be prepared for the next battle. Let us be honest: had the Heart of Oak not returned when we did, where would be Khorsun be today? How distant do we dare travel?

"I suppose what I am asking is shouldn't we be putting ourselves on a mission that will have more certain results rather than chasing after these romances?"


Balthazar says somewhat sheepishly, "I'm Christian too.  Just a rare sect."  Then he adds, "And ... I don't want to spend my life as defender of Khorsun.  I'm glad I was able to help because I was here, but I'm honestly I don't feel obligated in the least to provide further help.  My life's goal is to travel the world and see and do everything."
Loukas Ouranus
player, 667 posts
Son of Greece and Rus
Brother of Volos
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 16:40
  • msg #225

Re: Defending the City

It had not occurred to him that Balthazar is actually a Christian. When the Magus reminds him he now recalls earlier conversations about the Hedonite sect, but the man's religiosity was so very different from the Orthodox he had grown up among that it was easy to forget. Loukas raised his cup, "Forgive me, my friend, I should have remembered your Christianity. I meant no disrespect."

After drinking he continues, "As far as defending Khorsun goes... I think you misunderstand me. While I do think of myself as a defender of this place and think that given the enemies you have made in defending this place you are one whether you wish to be or not, I do not think that this is a goal best served by our sitting here awaiting the next threat. Our best defense is finding and learning things that would give us an advantage over whomever attacks. The last few days are the best example of what I mean. We all used tools and knowledge gained in our adventures to overwhelm a much greater enemy.

"No, I am all for seeking objects that will help us. It is just that I am still doubtful is that the items you seek are of great, mythic power. They are literally given by the Deity, are they not? If you were to tell me that you had been visited by an angel or can claim some religious connection to this quest, I would be more easily convinced. As it is, while this quest might fulfill your desire to travel the world, when does this end? Will we simply follow the rumors (and even Apollonius's information could not be called much more than that given the mythic nature of the Grail) forever?"
Balthazar the Hedonite
player, 461 posts
Sorcerer
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 17:17
  • msg #226

Re: Defending the City

Loukas Ouranus:
"No, I am all for seeking objects that will help us. It is just that I am still doubtful is that the items you seek are of great, mythic power. They are literally given by the Deity, are they not? If you were to tell me that you had been visited by an angel or can claim some religious connection to this quest, I would be more easily convinced. As it is, while this quest might fulfill your desire to travel the world, when does this end? Will we simply follow the rumors (and even Apollonius's information could not be called much more than that given the mythic nature of the Grail) forever?"</purple>


"The magical power of my Hedonite sect gives me the ability to find the way, unerringly, to any location of repute.  I just need to concentrate for a moment - which admittedly I can only do but once a week - and I will put us on the direct path to the resting place of any item we decide to go after.  I am happy though, to research any legends of magical items in the nearby vicinity first."
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 620 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Tue 16 Oct 2012
at 21:19
  • msg #227

Re: Defending the City

"One direction is as good as another," A'kos offers.  "One antique equally so.  Once we're again horse-borne, riding the steppes then I will be content.  As for the sword of Arthur, why not?  No less hazardous than a cup, not less certain than the old witch's hut...which we did indeed find, I'll remind you."

"Laugh not at others thoughts, Loukas," he adds.  "You've yet to offer anything concrete in reply...I would hear what mythical item you would seek?  The bow of Odysseus perhaps?  The shield of Jason? 
Dyanna.
player, 277 posts
A woman of
Greece
Wed 17 Oct 2012
at 04:24
  • msg #228

Re: Defending the City

After raising her goblet of spiced wine to the promotion of Miroslav to the position of Regent, Dyanna turns to her fellows.

"I have no great love for the emperor but I do not have the personal vendetta against him like some of you. I understand it, I just do not share it. Personally I am very happy here in Khorsun and consider it my home. Defending Khorsun is my primary concern and if that be a pre-emptive strike against the powers that threaten her, that is fine. If we need to find some artifact that will aid in this, I am good with that as well."
Loukas Ouranus
player, 668 posts
Son of Greece and Rus
Brother of Volos
Wed 17 Oct 2012
at 13:05
  • msg #229

Re: Defending the City

OOC: Sorry, I've posted a PM to Nestor and need to wait for an answer from him before my next post.
Miroslav
NPC, 264 posts
From the land of the Rus'
Fri 19 Oct 2012
at 05:29
  • msg #230

Re: Defending the City

Miroslav smiles at those gathered. " I thank you for your well wishes and support. I do agree we must do something about the Emperor and not just for the sake of vengeance. He will not rest till this thorn in is side is removed. We must make sure this thorn takes him down...just not sure how to go about this."

He looks to Oleg and says..."You will pick a crew and take Lord Dobrynya to Novgorod aboard the Heart of Oak. My son, Medved though only a lad will accompany you. Treat him like one of the crew. He is able bodied and strong but needs to learn."

Turning back to the others he says..."SO we know of the grail and the sword...what else do we have? And how will these things help defeat the Emperor? Can they stop armies and fleets?"
Oleg
NPC, 19 posts
Varangian warrior
Fri 19 Oct 2012
at 05:34
  • msg #231

Re: Defending the City

Oleg nods his head at the words of the new Regent of Khorsun. He looks around the room and his eyes settle on both Ulfr and Heinrich. He then elbows Falki who sits near him at the great feast table swilling mead instead of paying attention.
Falki
player, 3 posts
Fri 19 Oct 2012
at 11:19
  • msg #232

Re: Defending the City

Falki flashes a feral grin at Oleg, pleased that he will be joining him on the voyage northward. From the frozen north he has come and to it he shall return.
Dyanna.
player, 278 posts
A woman of
Greece
Fri 19 Oct 2012
at 11:46
  • msg #233

Re: Defending the City

Dyanna purses her lips in thought then smiles,

"To me there is only one place I can think of that might be useful in an attempt to figure this out. I have the mirror and we have been to the great library of Apollonius. I can easy open a portal to there and I am more than sure he will as gracious of a host as he was the last time we visited him. Perhaps we could bring him some gifts?"
A'kos, the Falcon
player, 621 posts
Magyar Warrior -8hp
True Friend/Fierce Foe
Fri 19 Oct 2012
at 12:01
  • msg #234

Re: Defending the City

"Such a mirror is of certain a valuable relic," notes A'kos.  "But in your own lore, Miro...er, Milord, isn't there a horn that summons great hordes?"
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