A small party of dirty, tired men arrives at the gates to Carricke, one has the small Silver Hand of the Kings Eyes and Ears. Exhausted horses are relieved of saddles and packs and taken to be rubbed down, fed and watered.  The riders are helped to rooms over by the barracks where they can clean up and and eat while the King and Queen are notified with a summary message- The Inquisition is mounting a major push to the west of Megalos and against a barony called Geden ... Geden has asked for help from the Dwarves, and through them, from Caithness.

Wulfe, out in the courtyard during the day had noted the newcomers to the barracks. He, being well-established in his new position of authority within the city, had purposefully strode over to the group and with a friendly smiled inquired about their purpose. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have bothered but something about the urgency with which the people moved had set his sense tingling and he suggested that it bode ill news.

"Good day gentlemen" he said cordially as he meandered around the group holding enough distance so as to not disturb their eating and cleaning of themselves. "What brings you to my barracks in such a hurry?" he asked with as friendly tone as he could muster but underlying with the undeniable authority of a member of the officership.

Having heard their purpose, and their reasons Wulfe had called over one of his soldiers and quietly mentioned that the man should go and bring to the attention of the guard captain this news and that a man called Gedan was here to seek audience with the king and queen in order to request aide for themselves and Dwarven kind.

"Eat your fill Gedan, I'll stay with you until word is returned he offered with a gently smile. He had told the soldier to return with news and orders from either the guard captain of the royals directly but in the meantime was satisfied with looking after the new guests. It was no good having them able to freely wander the barracks, or the city, with such urgent news. Too many important people carrying messages often ended up dead at the most inappropriate times - the thought amused Wulfe and he let out a little chuckle to himself.



I took some liberties, i hope you don't mind - anything that needs fixing, or changing just let me know and i'll re-write.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 1):

High above, something that looked like a bird spied the horsemen some distance away. John was in the courtroom when they arrived, but saying nothing as they recanted their tale.

The Man addressed as Geden smiled... I am Ben of Hawks Hold, Geden is our barony... But indeed we need help ... the dwarves suggested we come here.

Jon found that he had to go down to the Barracks mess hall to see these men.

Wulfe readjusted himself at the correction but otherwise thought it best to ignore the error. "Well, Ben of Hawks Hold. I know that the king and queen are great people and would struggle to ever refuse a request for aide - that said, however, I am only guessing at their response rather than speaking for them.

Is it true then you went to the dwarves? In Zarak? Do you know why they suggested coming to Carricke rather than helping directly? he questioned, slightly intrigued. He had met dwarves before, it was true, but had never set foot into their underground cities.

Well to the dwarves in Solginel, which I think is a part of greater Zarak, but I am not sure ... They are willing to help up to a point, but war with Megalos is not something anyone wants. I hope to enlist some aid, but don't want to get Caithness directly involved.
This message was last updated by the player at 22:08, Wed 03 Aug 2016.

Wulfe idly brushed the rather rough looking stubble across his chin, as an act of habit while thinking about what the man said. He noted that he should probably shave soon and look presentable for his men but that could wait until later.

The dwarves wished not to engage in all out war with Megalos, from what he knew of the great empire, there was wisdom in such sentiment but the strategic part of his mind thought that it was a war that Megalos could never hope to win. The mountains of the Zarak dwarves would likely be impenetrable to any of the Megalos legions.


"Ben, I have heard of the inquisition - it is there to prevent some kind of heresy against the empire, right? he asked having heard rumours but never really knowing what the organisation was for.

"So I wonder why ask the dwarves? Is it not something that could be dealt with directly? And if not - why prefer the dwarves over Caithness?" it wasn't a loaded question or one that had any attempt at confrontation, Wulfe was truly intrigued about the situation.

"It, of course, is far beyond my station to suggest such things but would not asking the royalty of our nation put Caithness directly within the invovlement of the situation?" he continued, walking around to the beer keg and pouring a drink for himself and Ben, then laying it on the table before him.

While waiting for an answer, Wulfe gulped down a couple of mouthfuls of the bitter liquid and breathed a sigh of relief at his quenching thirst.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Wed 03 Aug 2016.

Ah the Inquisition... The church commonly investigates any situation it feels might be a Heresy ... a Heresy being a place where there is money and the church isn't getting much or any of it. He smiles a big grin ... They always seem to make money out of any heresy. Now Geden follows the Christian way close as any, but the church has ben using the money given in Geden to help the poor and infirm. The Church hasn't been getting much.... maybe 10%.  I gather they feel 60% should go to the Church of Megalos for the common good and 40% back to the location that raised it. So we are now guilty of Heresy. Besides that, the Kingdom of Megalos feels we haven't been paying enough taxes too.  Now Geden actually has three barons under Rupert of High Stone Castle. Megalos figures Rupert is just a baron and the others landed knights. Our Barons think Rupert should be a count or Duke ... and they think they pay enough taxes. The Emperor of Megalos sent his Army to put us in our place and Rupert stuffed them at the gorge ... they couldn't get into Geden and they can't go around because the Gorge is the only road in... there are some paths... and the Dwarves know of some other ways to get into Geden, but the Dwarves don't want Megalos so close... might be another heresy or something if they were. So we have a stalemate of sorts, except we need trade and such to maintain our little place in the sun ... so we came here. Caithness has an active trading reputation and is big enough so that most of what we sell won't be noticed and most of what we want won't seem out of place. Now Caithness is almost a heresy because Megalos and it's Church don't get money from it... but you have a Church here and it has no real differences with the Church of Megalos, so there is no heresy yet... if Megalos could find a way to conquer Caithness, everything would surely change.

In reply to Ben of Hawks Hold (msg # 8):

John was content to listen quietly until now, but the implications could not be missed.

"Are you suggesting here could be the next target?"

Wulfe drank down his ale while listening to Ben. He hmm'd and nodded at the appropriate times but was trying to process all of the information in a reasonable way. He didn't really work at such levels of society and had spent most of his childhood and all of his adulthood really concerned with his immediate surroundings. The men to his left and right, and those standing infront of him. Such focus had given him a lot of success in the skirmishes he'd taken part in but this was a much grander scale, with bigger pieces and more granularity.

He supposed though that when reduced to the most simple understanding of the situation it was quite the same. Holding a defence, avoiding the attack, seeking to have your allies behind and to your flank hold you so that you can face off against the people in front. Only that Megalos was a power vast in size. Like a man fighting off a bear, he suspected.

In between drinks he spoke, trying to use some of the more eloquent words he'd heard about the castle - he was trying his best to fit into higher society as befit his role. "Then you're talking of either the eradication of Gedan or its cessation from Megalos entirely. he gave ample pause for the notion to set in. Megalos would probably suggest that such an idea was beyond heresy; high treason no doubt with the important actors being split into parts and made example of.

For Caithness to help Gedan, even opening trading routes would likely be seen as hostility from MEgalos and give them another excuse to attack our lands. So far they haven't succeeded and I think that Gedan is a good buffer. It is true that some of the tradiing might go unnoticed, especially if proxied into Zarak - but such a risk is substantial and I'm not sure what Lady Ai... Her Majesty Airis Moonshadow would say.

Baron Rupert, has he asked only for Caithness to open trade, or is there more? Military aide, and such?

Wulfe's curiosity had taken over him by the point he'd finished his ale and the idea of dealing with Megalos at all was thrilling. He had skirmished with them as a younger lad but nothing too serious. He head many great things about their armies, and equally horrifying tales about their soldiers, and church and inquisition.

He knew what he'd do. The unfortunate position of Gedan stood as a good opportunity for the kingdom to extend its borders. Putting them under full protection of Caithness and making the Baron that Ben had mentioned a count of the land would likely have little repercussions other than the hostility of Megalos - but that was always present. In the worst case the county of Gedan would be lost to Megalos and Caithness would have lost nothing and in the best case the lands grew richer and larger, cutting a chunk out of the beast that threatened all the land.

It seemed also that Gedan might have good relations with the Dwarves and having heard some of the tales of their craft was enough to send a shiver of intrigue through Wulfe.

As an afterthought to his conversation and the questions he posted to Ben, Wulfe mentioned childishly but with the seriousness of one believing fully in their own ability As for conquering Caithness, it would never happen while I drew breath"

In reply to John of Mallwyd (msg # 9):

Ben just shrugs... I couldn't hope to answer that with what I know.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 10):

Well we be no buffer to ye, as we don't adjoin your lands ... we back up to the great mountains of the dwarves, and it took a might hard hike through the Dwarves Mountains to get here. Now I gather there are other slightly easier paths that a caravan o' mules could traverse well enough. Military supples.. probably some, but we have plenty of iron, black rock to work it and some wood for handles and such. Cloth, pottery furs... those be things we could use. Some fruits, copper and the like as well... even the animals themselves. Farm animals are becoming scarce as folks tend to eat them.  Maintaining an army full time is hard on the farms.

Wulfe looked at John and offered him the mug which he'd poured another ale into and then spoke "I think that Megalos always has intentions to take Caithness - they do seem to like causing trouble with us, or at least always have in the past.

He then turned to Ben of Hawks and asked "Well, Ben, I am not too familiar with the layout of Megalos, or how Gedan sits in relation to the mountains and Caithness, I suspect that John here is a little more familiar than I am... he said, complimenting John's knowledge, even if he wasn't sure the truth of his statement ... but for my sake would you be able to draw it out on a map? he asked.

Looking around the barracks he looked for anything that might make it easy to draw a map. It idnd't have to be ink and parchment, but just some charcoal that could be sketched onto the table, or something similar. He had no idea of the layout of the land and was curious how Caithness might aide them.

[12 blank lines suppressed]



OOC: Are we all using blue for speech? Should i change my colour - to make things clearer/easier to note?

Are we waiting for any other players to move the story - as far as I know John, Wulfe and Ben are waiting for the messenger to come back with news from the king/queen/captain regarding an audience or whatnot. I suspect Airis(the player) might be required, but otherwise i'm just curious about the flow

OOC - Sort of awaiting Airis...

After a while a page shows up... the King and Queen will see you all now, please follow me...

Ovo moved into the barracks and peered about with coal black eyes from under a set of bushy black brows. His braided beard was black. The wisps of long hair that escaped his helm was black. His mood... was blacker still! The dwarf knew not why HE was chosen to come here. His place was back home and with HIS king. Yet, someone must guide the human hither. Those of Geden were good neighbors. Aye! They made a fine beer, mined iron and black rock, and were generally honest traders with the stout folk to his mind. So why? Because the axe in hand was better than one hang'n upon the wall. Geldan was known n' Megalos was too much of an unknown. Bah! His throat was dry and that was something that could be remedied!

"HO! There ye be Ben! Be that beer yer drink'n lad? If so ye best be leav'n ah tankard or three for me."

The dwarf gave Wulfe and John a curt nod as he walked up!

"Well met! Ovo's me name. I must be such bad company ta be left in the yard yonder. Tis the beer as gud as the brew ye make in Geden Ben? If so ye best make it four tankards. Tis been quite ah walk ye see?"

Then a page showed up and said "Follow me."

The dwarf scowled "Wot! Well I'll be... "

"Lead on lad! Lead on!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:10, Fri 05 Aug 2016.

The Page looks Ovo over and smiles... I'll give ya a minute or so to drink a bit o' beer ... you may have to talk up there and we wouldn't want ye all dried out now.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 17):

Ovo smiled and nodded to the page "Me thanks lad. Yet ye nay be know'n much o'bout dwarfs then. Ah minute ya say? It'll nay take that long mind."

Ovo took a tankard and downed it in less than a minute, his black beard full of foam... then belched!

"I be wet enough now lad. It'll hold me ah wee bit. Lead on if ye please."

Ye are not the first o the Mountain folk to visit us... follow me please.

He leads the group up to a large room with seats all around, there are some 15 guards here and they make everyone remove swords, large knives and any other weapons ... small knives are allowed.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 19):

John likewise follows them to the throneroom.

Wulfe returned Ovo's nod with a wide smile that masked the initial confused look he might have sent the way of the dwarf. While it was true that many had ventured into Caithness Wulfe still was not familiar enough with the people to not have the shock-like reaction when he saw one.

"Aye, well met Ovo.

Be sure to take your fill of drink. I know the road can be a thirsty place" he said taking a final pull of his own drink before wiping his mouth and being somewhat disappointed that Ben had not had the time to draw a map but it was never prudent to keep a king waiting and so he set down the mug and walked to the page and casually, unthinkingly, ruffled his hair in greeting with a wide grin. (OOC: An annoyance to them, to be sure - but a friendly gesture)


The journey to audience was not long and Wulfe used it to become acquainted with the gait and odd proportions of the dwarf. "Ovo, you are from the mountains of Zarak? Those that have suggested to Ben that Caithness might be able to help with their predicament? " he asked casually as they were walking.

---

The audience room was certainly not what Wulfe expected, a large round table was a good touch to make people not just feel like underlings and inwardly Wulfe appreciated the sentiment and compliment. Despite the initial feelings as he entered the room his eyes sharpened to the point and bore down on the man that tried to remove his sword and long knives but he reluctantly accepted the challenge as protocol with an irritated order for the guardsman to bring them back as soon as he was done.

Walking into the room without the weight of a sword on his hip, or the rigid feeling of a long knife against his back and in his boot felt alien. It was as if somebody had removed an arm and two fingers; Wulfe was used to having a blade about his person at all times but now was reduced to a man and the dinner dagger that sat on his belt. A chuckle escaped his lips as he considered waving it threateningly at somebody in an attempt to deter their armed assault.

Of instinct, and more of the loyalty he felt to Airis, WUlfe ushered the dwarf and the other guests to sit at the table so that he could be between them. Being in the way of harm was a habit one did have to cultivate and it was no good being on the edge of chaos when things, if things, ever went wrong. "If you can just sit here gentlemen ..." he said stumbling the last word with the confusion of how to address a dwarf



OOC: I suspect that Wulfe knows all of the 15 guards in the room, and in fact is one of their officers, right?

If that is the case and he is the lieutenant of the guard and they are guards, would Wulfe be spared the removal of his weapon?

Wulfe is not required to remove his weapons... Much to the ire of Ovo. He is indeed one of the Lieutenants of these guards.

Ovo will be most reluctant to part with his Axe.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 21):

When Wulfe greeted him the dwarf nodded back and when he commented about walks and thirst and such...

"Aye! That it does lad. Those that came afore me said that ye be good folk and were nay niggardly wi' yer ale and beer. It pleases me that." he said wiping the foam beard with his forearm.

When asked about advising Geden and turning them hither, the dwarf nodded once more.

"Aye! I be from Solginel! That be true enough n' me uncle did send Ben hither for ah redes wi' yer folk. Those o' Geden be good folk n' neighbors that be also true. The dwarfs o' Zarak hold no grudges against the Empire ya see n' they us. So, we thought it be best if Ben sought some o' his own folk out is all."

---

Ovo looked about thinking they were headed to a throne room of sorts but he was surprised by all the seats. When the guards asked for his weapons, the dwarf bristled and his face became flushed.

"Wot? I give ye me word upon this 'ere axe n' on the name o' me uncle, the King o' Solginel, I nay mean ye nor your King any harm. Where I'm from it nay be good manners ta fill one up with beer n' such then say ye can't be trusted enough ta carry wot ya came with! If I can nay be trusted then I'll nay be stay'n. Me uncle can send another n' ye can kiss me axe ya can!"" the last said in a near snarl as he held his axe in white knuckled hands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:52, Fri 05 Aug 2016.

Oh let him bring it a sweet looking girl said... I'll see that he hurts no one with it.

The King and Queen are sitting on a dais looking over the table from the opposite side...

Leave the Dwarf his Axe... come in and have a seat, have some Drinks brought for these men, they have traveled far I hear.  The King Commands

In reply to Chloe (msg # 24):

The dwarf's head whipped around at the words of Chloe. It seemed he was about to shout something else but he merely nodded to the sweet girl.

"Yer job'll be the easiest here this eve. I gave me word n' I mean ta keep it."

---

When the king spoke, Ovo walked forward and nodded with deference.

"My thanks Majesty. Greetings I bring thee from me uncle. If I may aid ye while I'm here, ye need only ask."

His eyes went wide when he saw the King's elvish bride.

"Majesty... " was all he could manage as he averted his eyes.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 26):

John, having settled into his role as ambassador to the Dragons, waited to hear the full details of what might transpire.

Wolfe grinned widely as Chloe spoke and made to ruffle her hair as he moved into place at the table. Noticing the King and queen he curtly bowed, more of a nod, but continued to place himself in between the travellers and the royals. At the suggestion of both Chloe and the queen Wolfe nodded to the guards to allow the dwarf his axe... He would be an obstacle to any assault anyway; he grinned at the thought.

After people had been offered a drink Wolfe tried to dance on formality and introduced the guests to the King and queen. His ability to do so in a presentable way for high society was limited and soon he became entangled in his own words. With a shrug of his shoulder he returned to a simple introduction and simple words.

He then sat to listen to the discussion.

Airis had always been remarkable in her beauty but dressed as a noble brought out even more of it and the man felt a vicarious sort of happiness for his King and that he had some small part in helping her realise her potential.




Ooc: my posting from an iPad so forgive any errors

The King smiles at Wulfe's attempts to use the formal forms, when he lapses into the simpler introduction he murmurs, Much better Wulfe.

Well met, Ben of Hawks Hold and Ovo Goldenshield... do tell us some back ground and enlighten us as to the goings on of past months in that light.

Ovo stood and nodded again "You Honor me Uzbad*. I have nay much to say save I acted as a guide for Ben here. He sought out my uncle for advice about their trouble wi' Megalos. Our folk thought ye may give the lad n' the good folk o' Gelen better advice than we could. The dwarfs of Zarak have nay qualms wi' the Empire and they wi' us. Me uncle thinks its best to stay that way for now."

He seemed that he was about to sit down but thought better of it.

"Me Uncle sends his congratulations upon yer marriage. The folk o' Zarak wish ye many years o' happiness, good fortune, and much wealth together."

Lastly, he turned to Aris "Congratulations to ye!"

He then sat down and took a long pull from his beer.

---

Uzbad- dwarvish word for King.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:16, Sun 07 Aug 2016.

The Kings brow furrows at the strange word... Husband? he whispers loudly and looks at Airis ...  Airis too looks a bit confused too.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Sun 07 Aug 2016.

Wulfe had sat and let the dwarf tell his piece to the king and only realised that he'd just edited the word from memory that was used that he did not himself understand. Uzbad. Wulfe stifled a chuckle and grinned widely at the supposed confusion. Thinking back to the words however Wulfe wasn't sure that husband wasn't the word used and supposed it was just the thick accent of the dwarf that had slipped his ear.

Ovo peered over his tankard, it near his lips "Well? Ye are, are ye not? Her husband I mean. That twould make Lady Airis a Azbad... yer Queen."

He looked over at Wulfe with a big smile and foam in his beard "Glad ta have that settled aye! Best Ben here be tell'n ye the news as he knows it yer Majesty

So this "Husband" word is King in Dwarvish?

Wulfe nodded at Conall as he asked the question, not really answering per se but following his internal monologue as it explained the confusion to his own mind. He'd have to remember the word. "Husband", king; "As bad", queen. He chuckled to himself and wondered if Airis was as bad as that - his grin returned as he laughed at his own inner joke.


After Conall had settled his own misunderstanding, one which Wulfe felt far beyond his own station to point out, Wulfe nodded to Ben and indicated to the king and queen that he had come from Gedan "Sirs, it is Ben that came from Megalos to request the aid of Caithness... he said, keeping his introduction simple this time and leaving the end of his sentence hanging for the man to continue.

Wulfe suspected that maybe the introductions and his acting as intermediary wasn't required, or even to be done but given his familiarity with the Lady Airis, John coupled with his thankfulness to the king for his appointment and newing acquiantance with the dwarf and Ben he felt some responsibility in ensuring everything went smoothly. Wulfe lifted his coarse fingers to his chin and stroked the bristling new-beard as he considered that perhaps rather than any sense of obligation to duty he just had a pressing desire to ensure that the sought help was offered.

Ben stands and introduces himself... He says  Rupert, the current leader in Geden would like a trade agreement and some assistance in procuring things to help defend our lands. He can afford to pay right now and would prefer to... he could use Copper, pottery, cloth of many sorts, Leather goods, Wood for building, Feathers for sleeping gear and wood for bows. No doubt other things will be needed, but these are an important start, he has been given some jewels to defray the costs...

Ben pulls out a Pouch and spills a nice pile of glittering gems on the table... the bag holds a good bit more.

You will need to assess their value in Caithness of course, but Rupert feels you will be fair to him.

So you wish to establish trade through us... covertly I gather? and have the ability to purchase and ship these goods back to your country ... Over the Mountains?

Twas the plan as I understand it... your highness. Ben replies

So Ovo, how easy will it be to move wagons and pack trains over the mountains to Geden?

Ovo shook his head. His braided beard whipped about!

"Ye'll nay be get'n any wagons through those mountains King Conall. Nay! Caravans wi' pack horses... though mules be better... will be hard enough. Those mountains be high and there be snow besides."

He paused a heartbeat or two.

"Nay! It twould be hard it would. I may speak ta me uncle... I mean there are ways under ground ye know. Away from prying eyes. Mayhaps we can reach some sorta agreement but I can nay promise anything."

And would these underground passages allow wagons or caravans?

The dwarf took another long pull from the tankard in front of him.

"Well... nay all of them... well... nay most of them least ways. Ya see the tunnels be made fer folk o' me height n' bearing. Most animals bred up 'ere nay like our tunnels either. Most like I would recommend mules. they be the best suited ya see. Even those beast can be temperamental under all that rock."

He then paused and pursed his lips before he continued.

"There be ah set o' tunnels that were sealed sum centuries past. Long unused ye might say. Inside there were orcs n' goblins... n' such, that's why they be sealed in the first place. But that twas ah long long time ago. By me figur'n that be the shortest n' widest o' the tunnels ta Gelen. Me Uncle, the King, may open them up once more if some trade n' goods there by twere ta stay in his lands o' Zarak. Again I van promise this will happen but we can plead our case."

Wulfe listened to the back and forth between the King and the dwarf and then he spoke out unaware that he was doing so to the world - thinking out loud was a character flaw the often had Wulfe in trouble.

"Hard to supply any kind of force without carts. Doubt that mules would be able to carry enough by themselves his hand had not left his chin and he continued to stroke his proto-beard as he looked off into infinity somewhere in the roofing of the chamber.


"and cleared of orcs and goblins... never fought one of those before" he said before coming into the realisation that he'd been speaking outloud. He looked around the room wide-eyed and then to the royals. His naturally tanned skin took on a a darker reddish colour as he blushed lightly and then straightened his back to sit up straight.

You think for us all Wulfe... with such tunnels, it would be possible, without them it would be exceptionally difficult. I think we must get your King's commitment to this, to proceed, Ovo. Orcs have been gone from these lands for a hundred years and Goblins are all but unknown except for a few traders from Megalos. So we need to send an embassy to your king then?

Wulfe nodded and added "Your highness, if these tunnels were to be used then it could be worth sending me with a unit of soldiers to ensure that the tunnels were wiped clean to ensure the safe trade between the lands. It seems to me like it would be the best route to take.

I understand that Orcs have been pushed from Caithness for a good long while but under the rock and mountains this may not be the case. I've only ever caught glimpse of a dwarf before, and i suspect that was just a short man, but from what I know many of them live in the mountain area. If they can live there out of sight, my guess is that an orc, sneaky as they are could do the same.
he didn't like to contradict the king directly, but felt that any trading caravan that would not only help Gedan, but Caithness as well would be a great endeavour and to leave the trader-folk to the whim of the orc seemed a bad way to start such a relationship.

Fair point, Wulfe... every such caravan will need an escort. I'll keep you in mind.

Ovo, have your folk encountered Orcs or Goblins in the recent past?

Wulfe nodded and then added in as helpful tone as he could muster "if the tunnels were cleared of the orcs with the first caravan then all the subsequent ones would need much less in the way of soldiers to escort them.
"

Perhaps, or not... depends on what entrances there are along the way... Underground folk tend to have many paths, in case of a cave in.

Wulfe considered for a moment and again stroked the edge of his jawline. The tunnels would only be useful if the king did not have to spare a company of men to escort trade each time. It did not bode well for such things if every excursion of trade was attaked and assaulted by orcs - nor would it allow the deniability of Caithness's involvement in the actions of Gedan.

Perhaps the dwarves could help with that part of it but he wsn't sure.

"Ah, right, of course si.. King Conall he responded, not really knowing how underground tunnels, or cities or trade routes were built.




OOC: did we get to see a map of Gedan - That river pass is a fantastic defence location and could likely be so well defended that the entire legion of megalos could be kept out.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 49):

OOC- The map is posted as  the Group 9 map... and yes, that narrow gorge is Megalos problem ... that and the high iron content in those mountains, which make magic weak if not useless. Brute force hasn't worked and Megalos is having trouble accepting that ...

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 50):

"Sir, if I may be so bold, as her majesty the Queen has shown, not all orcs need to be wiped out to be dealt with. Indeed, they may be of assistance here. If we were to strike up a deal then we could trade with the orcs, and the orcs trade with Gedan, making our trade links with Gedan very difficult to prove even if discovered. Further, the orcs could be recruited to assist Gedan...Not sure about goblins though."

Now that would be an interesting twist ... not sure it would work, but still worth some thought.

Lady Chloe walks up to the group and looks at the king "Sire, you sent for me? The Queen thought you might want me to accompany the party?"

She did?   he looks to his Queen   Why in God's name send a young woman on such a rough trip?

Airis walks up "My dear, the girl needs to broaden her teaching. She has learned what she can from us old people here. I think she can handle herself and help with negotiations. I don't think any of the men going are as charming, don't you agree dear?" she says grining

In reply to John of Mallwyd (msg # 51):

Ovo rose from his seat and turned to first to the King "Aye! Twill be me Uncle that decides wot roads under the mountain that can and will be used but I will vouch fer ye. This trade should be good for Geldan, dwarf, and ye aloke methinks. Mayhaps bring us closer as well."

When asked about the orcs and there numbers, Ovo scratched his braided beard.

"Well... tis been some time since we dwarfs seen an orc or three. The tunnels being sealed may have had some such to do wi' that. There be nay ah way fer me to know wot we'd find once the tunnels be opened. That would be me Uncle's greatest fear methinks... mayhaps mine as well."

The dwarf nodded to Wulfe "Aye! Right ya be lad. Jus cause we can nay see the buggers does nay mean they aren't about. They be ah fecund race or so I've been told. Nay the thought I'd be want'n ta ponder neither."

he started to take another long pull of his ale when John spoke and Ovo nearly choked. Ale nearly spewed from mouth and nose. When he was able the dwarf looked the man from Mallwyd in the eye.

"Wot! Ye can do all the sweet talk'n ye may wi' orcs! Yet, ye'll never get me nor me kin ta do so. We've been fight'n afore ye walked the earth n' will be continue'n when ye return to it. Nay! Barter, plead, and make nice all ye want but ye'll leave us out o' that. if that be yer plan then find yer own way, we'll be done. I think another ale be needed!"

The king looks at Airis... I would not teach our son to swim by throwing him in the harbor... neither teach this young woman diplomacy by sending her on this trip, my dear...

He stilfes a laugh at Ovo's reaction to Jon's comments...  Perhaps it is a time for change... perhaps not, let us see ... I doubt the Orc's in your mountains have talked to their brethren in many generations.

In reply to King Conall VI (msg # 57):

"Then perhaps we should take some representatives from our friends along with us to ensure that we do not sour what friendships we have?"

He smiles at the dwarves words. The small dragon on his shoulder chuckles even louder.

Wulfe sent a puzzled look towards John at the mention of diplomacy. It was a thread of thoughtfulness that the man hadn't even considered but it certainly would be better to have allies rather than enemies, especially if wanting to trade through areas populated with such people.

He felt a little wounded at the suggestion of Airis that he wasn't charming. He'd never considered himself so but it was a statement that voiced openly made it more real. He had flashes of his very common upbringing come to mind and when juxtaposed to the position he sat now it seemed that perhaps he had always been more suited to the rough living of soldiery or common folk. Though her words were true, it was an unneeded reminder that perhaps he was beyond his own self.

A moment resolve led him to speak up "Ovo's kin, as John of Mallwyd suggests would be welcome to try and resolve any issues with that tunnel, if we were able to travel it. Maybe, if as Ovo said, that they haven't been seen in a while then there may be nothing there too, but if they are even if it comes to blows it could be worth trying to talk.

But if the young Chloe comes along you can have my guarantee King Conall that the rough edges of it wouldn't hurt the girl.

Thanks, Wulfe, although you can't control every eventuality ... IF we can talk to any Orcs we meet, we may be able to remove them from the Dwarves realm ... Goblins too perhaps. While I do understand the long standing feud between Orcs and Dwarves, it would be easier to talk them out of Zarak than beat them out... we would have to give them safe passage to their relations out West. Chloe, do you perchance speak any Dwarven?


Oh and would someone see to getting Ovo a fresh beer and a clean towel. We seem to have startled him...

Ovo sat down with a harrumph! He crossed brawny arms over a barrel chest as he peered about the table and room.

"I've said me piece n' I'll nay say more. Me mind n' that o' me kin be made for some time. As for the beer and towel... ye can bring the beer n' it'll be welcome! The towel? Nay! That's wot cloaks be for."

The dwarf watched Chloe with some interest. It was she that spoke first to let the dwarf keep his axe. Whether it was in jest or nay, Ovo could not tell but a dwarf never forgot a slight or a favor some said... and they would be right!

Airis looks at the King "What if you took some orcs from our allies, they could speak with them and maybe get them to relocate.

The king turns to his wife and lowers his voice _{I fear that will start an issue with our Dwarven friends much bigger than a few Orcs ...we'll send you friend Hugh, he is not so obvious and can speak for Chloe.}

Ovo cleared his throat "Yer forget'n one thing Majesty."

The last was directed at the Queen "The dwarfs will nay open their tunnels ta ah orc, be they yer friends or nay. And that be find wi' me."

Ovo stood and bowed to both King and Queen in turn.

"I have lost me thirst, I shall take me leave wi' yer permission. It twould seem me ideas  did not set well wi' ye nor yers wi' me. So I shall wish ye good fortune. If ye be so knid ta show me the way ta me sleep'n quarters?"


He then looked toward Chole "Mayhaps ye might be so kind Mistress? I need sum sleep ta clear me head o' all this ale n' talk o' orcs."

I Think I understand your concerns, Ovo... give me time to work out the knots in all these ideas... pray come talk again in the Morning... I'll send a page. Chloe, do be so kind as to show him to the Chamberlain so he knows his room... and show him to it please.


After Ovo has departed, the king has the door closed.  Everyone please have a seat... I need you to understand that there is no way the Dwarves will tolerate Orcs in there lands ... no amount of reasoning will accomplish anything more than what you just observed. It's not a matter for reasoning ... it simply is the way it is. Please plan and make suggestions with this fact in mind.

In reply to King Conall VI (msg # 65):

"If the dwarves will not tolerate the Orcs, then perhaps the idea of relocating them is worthy, if it is possible. Either way, it would seem the only way to ensure these tunnels are safe is to repopulate them with allies."

Wulfe listened and then added to the end of John "I've never heard of any people who enjoyed being moved to another place because they're in the way.

I reckon that they won't be willing, and as great as it is to have allied the orcs that we have I think it is an unusual thing. All I say here is that we shouldn't rely on a plan to migrate an unknown number of orcs to somewhere else that already be populated.

He did nod at the last sentiment voiced by John - trading through wild territory was one thing, through hostile territoary was quite another.

Ovo stepped outside the throne room and began to pace up and down. The dwarf wondered what under the earth had he gotten himself into. He had heard that the King and the Queen were decent sorts, even if she was an elf. Yet, it seemed that everyone just wanted to rattle his chains. All this talk of orcs and becoming allies and such. If it had been just one well... that could be explained. Mayhaps they were dropped as wee one upon their heads or mayhaps they should have ducked when they raised their heads as a big ole mace met it. Mayhaps too much ale, beer, or wine... nay that canna be it, for there was not enough in the kingdom to inspire such silliness.

No! It was beyond his thinking. Mayhaps things would look better in the morning. Nothing for it. He must wait for this Page Chole. So wait and pace he would...

"My friends, we don't know if they would go someplace that would offer them peace if they could, especially if they are losing the war. That is the problem, we know little of what is going on there. That is why once you get there, you will need to determine the best course of action. We all so do not know if the orcs would listen to reason anyway.

Chloe, do attend to our guest... you shan't miss much here.

Chloe goes out to the hall "Sir, what can I get you? Would you like to go down to the kitchen?"

In reply to Airis Moonshadow (msg # 69):

"True. Then we should take some war mages in case they do not..."

Ovo stopped in his tracks and turned upon his heels.

"Nay! I just wish ta go ta me chambers. That... n' mayhaps another ale brought ta me room." the dwarf said in a lower calmer voice.

He shook his head sadly "Tis been ah weary night and I wish ta rest Mistress. Me feet walked many o' league taday n' these negotiations been harder still. Yet, I wish ta thank ye for yer kindness. When I first came ta the throne room ye spoke fer me... ye bid the guards ta leave me axe be. So thank ye Mistress. Mahaps I can aid ye one day. If so jus be ask'n. Tis late for certes n' I've taken up enough o yer time. Lead on... the sooner we go the sooner ye can get back Me apologies fer mak'n ye miss the meeting."

"Or men with shields and spears..." Wulfe added to John's comment.

"I think, as an initial expedition to find out what we can about the tunnels and see with the Dwarven King if they can be used for trade with Gedan there wouldn't be need for such a large force.

At least initially, swiftness would be preferable to force. Do we have a way to communicate over large distances, quickly? If not then once we had appraised the situation and checked out the tunnel a messenger could be sent with updates on the forces required per caravan.




OOC: I have a quick question about mages. From what i recall in the Banestorm book Caithness is a low-mana zone (one of the reasons Megalos hadn't conquered it successfully) and as a result the number of mages is smaller.

Is this the case in this game too? How common are war-mages/mages in general?

A mage on the fringes steps forward... we have means of communicating the distance if a mage goes with you.



OOC - Much, if not most of Caithness is a low mana area... War Mages, per se, don't exist in Caithness. But any decent mage can counter a "War Mage"... as in all places, here are locations with higher or lower Mana... Carricke happens to have high mana.

Wulfe looked to the man "Good man! In that case, we will take you since you volunteered and ensure that we can be in constant communication with the King and Queen. It makes everything run a little bit more smoothly if we can provide real time updates on situations as they unfold." he said, and unwittingly took hold of his ale and took a long pull.

Not I ...  but we'll ensure you have someone...

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 73):
She smiles, I can have page bring up a pitcher of ale. But you should have something with it sir, such as at least cheese and bread or maybe there is some roast if you would care for it" She seems very friendly and is just trying to help.

"I do agree some mages should go, but they should be ones that are use to traveling. Most might actually slow you down."

In reply to Chloe (msg # 78):

Ovo looked at Chloe and finally sighed.

"That be true lass. Ye be most kind. I thank ye fer that. It's been ah while since we ate n' tis only jerky n' hard tack. Nu'thin but water ta wash it down with ta boot. I shall go wi' whatever ye suggest. Be the roast good then? Have ye tried it then? Though I be eat'n.... don't forget the ale. Do ye know which way me room is?"

The tension in the dwarf was experiencing seemed to fade and the exhaustion began to creep in. He smiled and waited for the young woman's answer.

"I am very familiar with the castle. The queen told me where your quarters are. I will see you there in a few, OK" she says as she walks off.

Ovo opened his mouth to speak but the young woman was already walking off.

"Aye!" was all he could mutter. He then leaned against a nearby wall and tried to rest until Chloe came back. Ovo was never the most patient of beings but he really did not have a choice. He let out a sigh that sounded more like the wind from some smith's bellows than anything else.

With his eyes closing he said under his breath "Better this end than the o'ther."

Chloe returns quickly knowing the Ovo is tired. She is carring a large tray with a pitcher and a large plate with food. She leads him to her his room and as they approach, the door opens and she walks in, sitting the tray on a table. "There you go sir. Hope you can get some rest now"

Wulfe nodded to the queen and added "Of course, wizards familiar with the open road would be best, especially iff headed into potentially hostile areas "

OK, so we know Wulfe is going ... We need to put together the rest of the party... Volunteers? Let's meet in the morning and finish our planning and talking with Ovo.

King Connall I will select a small group of soldiers that can help any defence of the group's mission should we encounter Orcs. Though I suspect a large band of warriors  would be looked upon with bad feelings by the dwarf king if it were too large.

With your permission though I'd prefer to take some skirmishers rather than men-of-the line, and if possible. We would likely need a ranger and some archers too - though with an eye to keep the group small enough not to offend the Dwarves.

I'll gather some today so that they're ready to go should they be required.


He said, standing up at his chair and nodding a small bow to the royals in the room.

<small>

message to gm:


</smal>

In reply to Chloe (msg # 83):

The dwarf's eyes grew wide when the door opened on its own. He then looked at the young woman as if seeing her for the first time. Once inside his quarters the dwarf nodded and said.

"I thank ye much Mistress. For this n' speak'n for me earlier... before the king. Allow'n me ta keep me weapons n' all. Ye've done enough fer me this eve. Me pardon fer being so worrisome ta ye n' ill tempered ta others. I bid ye ah good evening."

Just before she left the dwarf cleared his throat "Did ye do... that little thing wi' the door then?"

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 87):

"I would be glad to go, Sir. I have long been cooped up without chance to travel."

Wulfe, Make note, Jon is your first mage... and I believe he has traveled with you before...

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 87):

Chloe grins "Your welcome and have a good night" she walks to the door. She turns back to his question. "I yes, I have some ability with that and with healing people. It is one reason the queen wants me to go"

A loud thunderclap sounds in the center of the room and amidst a flash Herkimer falls to the ground as if from an uncomfortable height.
"Ugggghhhh... ridiculous spell. It was supposed to be havarti not havorti. At this rate I - ..."
Herkimer sat up realizing his location and blinked. Then coughed. He stood and looked around a bit bewildered before coming to his senses.
"My Lord and.. Lady...My deepest apologies."
He struggled with the sight of her. She was out of reach now - their brief moments shared seemed no more than a morning fog that had long since lifted. He averted his eyes quickly from Lady Airis and stood, facing the king proudly.
"My Majesty, I will simply remove myself from your presence, again - a bit of a spell gone off wrong. Must have eaten something for breakfast."

In lightweight pants, tied around the waist with a multi-pocketed coat laid over it Herkimer made for the strangest looking mage in the kingdom, and one who was seldom seen since he had been granted his tower and Lady Airis had taken the king's hand in marriage.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 90):

The dwarf was reaching for the tankard when Chloe answered. Both answers stunned the dwarf.

"Ye be know'n the art then? The Queen? Where does she be want'n ye ta go?" he said raising his busy brows.

"The art? I am not sure I ever hear it referred to like that. But yes, the queen thinks I need to get out and spread my wings. So I can see more and such. She has been all over, it is amazing"

Wulfe nodded at the king's comments, having had travelled with Jon already he was familiar with some of the man's capability but felt worth mentioning his praise "Aye, sir, I have travelled with John, he'll be good company on the trip. he said and smiled as some nostalgia passed between his eyes of the adventure they'd all been part of over a year previous.

The thunderclap happened and Wulfe had a sword flashed into his hand in an instant. Having lived as a soldier for many years it always seemed that loud sounds felt like being prodded with a pitchfork, he was hyper alert in that instant; such sounds, especially metal on metal, were the reason he'd put his own living chamber so far away from the blacksmiths of the area.

Noting the wizard appear on the table, Wulfe let out a slightly embarassed chuckle before reaching down to his cup and taking a long slug of it. Then, sitting, he listened to the newly arrived.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 94):

Johns attempt to restrain laughter was obviously a failure.

"Not so fast, Herkimer. Your transportation spells could be useful, as long as you can make the destination a little more accurate. Teleporting into the heart of the wrong empire could be somewhat fatal. Actually, would it be possible to build a portal between this fair land and Bens?"

Herkimer clambers down from the table rather ungracefully. A few dried herbs fall from his pockets which he is quick to scoop up, depositing then accordingly.
Make a portal? Sure!! Its no big thing, just an ancient lost art unless youve uncovered something. Though...". Herkimer tapped a long finger on his chin, his eyes briefly selling on Lady Airis before starting away.
"Master Dithenar had a portal in his tower, and who knows what other secrets he may hold. Sadly though, if my experience with this branch of our art is anything I would say we probably dontnhave the time to focus all of our efforts on such an endeavour. Secondly, we have always needed a portal on the other side. Now, if we could get a large enough mage circle, maybe 50 mages, perhaps we could teleport a small party some of the way to our destination. But... "
Herkimer sighs and fingers a loose thread on his robe, falling into silence.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 94):

Drinking while holding a sword in your hand will require a DX  -3 roll...

The King recovers his composure... So nice of you to drop in Herkimer ... although do use the doors in the future, if you'd be so kind. Wulfe, add him to your list of those going on this expedition.

"Going? Expedition? Sire, I umm. but... that is to say." Herkimer fumbles his hands and glances at the room as if for the first time, settles his eyes on Lady Airis and looks downwards.
"Aye, as you command Sire. I do certainly apologize for dropping in."

At this point the king is chuckling... I can't remember anyone being so anxious to go on a quest, can you Dear?

In reply to Chloe (msg # 93):

The dwarf stayed his hand from the ale and turned to face the young woman with a thoughtful expression.

"Tis how I name wot some call magic. So ye can... cast ah spell or three then? As far as travel'n goes... aye! It can be ah good thing. I've done ah wee bit o' it meself but tis nay for the faint o' heart. Long hours marching aboot. Eat'n dry jerky n' hard biscuits that might fell ah giant. There be wonderous places n' that be true enough. As long as ye know that everyday would nay be excit'n nor would everyday bring ye joy then I'd say go forth n' see the world. It be plenty big aye!"

He then pursed his lips "Ye will be travel'n wi' us back ta see me uncle then?"

Herkimer looks to his left and right, under the table in front of them and ponders the scene before him. Something was missing...his staff!
Mumbling under his breath Herkimer conjured a black staff, dark as the abyss with stars floating within its depths.

"Seeing as now I must be part of this...traveling troupe, how many people do we have? How far is this distance? I could possibly get us a significant portion of our way started - but it would be costly. We'd need to hold a feast, and get a large number of people to willingly aide us in the ceremony."
Herkimer shivers.
"Additionally, depending on how far it is... it could be.... disastrous!"

ooc: 19:58, Today: Herkimer rolled 6 using 3d6.  Create Object @ 15, Staff, 2FP.

I think such risks are unneeded, although they might make for a bit less walking ... let's plan on doing it the normal way... travel by foot.

Bowing his head in deference Herkimer remains silent.

It has been a long afternoon... everyone get some food and relax this even... we shall gather in the morning, hopefully refreshed and finish our plans.

The King and Queen rise and leave the audience room together.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 101):

"Actually it is all mental. I got cast anything. I just think about it and I do it. Once a man attacked the queen and I just tossed him out a window. And yes, I can't wait to meet more of your kind. I would love to learn your language too, see you tomorrow sir" she says as she heads to her quarters.

Wulfe nodded and stood back as the king and queen left the room. "Well then, foot it is. At least I shall have horses feet prepared for us to ease the walking he said to the table with a shrug.

"Ben, you should have a chamber ready for you, if you need anything else come and get me. Once i'm done with the horses, i'll be heading down for a drink if anyone wishes to come along.
he offered.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 106):

"Aye lass! Upon the morrow then." he said as Chloe walked out and shut the door.

HMMMMM... throw'n ah man oout ah window jus using her mind

The dwarf shook his head and looked at his axe with a broad grin. He then ate some roast and drank the entire pitcher not bothering with a tankard. He then doffed his armor and put his axe within arm's reach. The dwarf closed his eyes as he laid down upon the bed and was soon snoring loudly...

Herkimer, drained of color and resolution gladly accepted the offer to drink.
Anyone who remembers previous such endeavors is wary of what might happen.
"Wulfe... i will raise you an ale and a smart display of illusion to keep the night interesting."

Airis looks at Wulfe "If you take him drinking, be prepared to carry him back" she says with a smile as she leaves the room

Herkimer waves an idle hand at Lady Airis as she departs, dismissing her foolish barb.
"Come - I'll put you under the table."
Herkimer orders another drink laughing loudly and clapping his hands. He drops his staff as he does so and the dark, star filled staff falls to the ground but disappears before it can make a sound.
"Guess who i am friend?"
An unfortunate stranger turns and responds to Herkimer.
"Ummm.. who?"
"Interrupting Cow!?
"Huh? I don't really get -"
"MOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
Slapping his hand on the table Herkimer takes the beer from the maid and turns to Wulfe.

"So where in the infinite hells are we going Wulfe? And if you doubt my assessment of the number of hells, let me know you that most of them were created by the fairer sex and for no other reason than to tormet us."

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 111):

John smiles and leave the two of them while he prepares for the trip.

Wulfe had spent the next hour having some of his men prepare the supplies for a trip and gather together a small force of skirmishers that might be required. They would need horses and general food supplies and Wulfe knew that he could leave it to his men.


The man had only intended to have a drink or two with dinner but it turned out that Herkimer was a lively drinking buddy and Wulfe couldn't help but get swept away with the joyous carousing that happened. Wulfe drank, to match the wizard, and spent most of the night laughing or attempting to articulte stories about things and others. For a night it seemed that he was just a person with friends again rather and he let slip his own need to stay well-disciplined in a city full of his own men; but even the officers needed time off, the man justified to himself weakly.

"Infinite hells? torment? " Wulfe didn't understand the poetic undertones of Herkimer, he'd have probably kept up and been able to see some deeper threading to the statement if he hadn't been swilling back ale like it was their last night before visiting the infinite hells but as he was sodden it passed him by.

"They're just people too, fairer - right, but I heard many men tell me of that bloody hell the point didn't have direction, but seemed to make sense to Wulfe as he said it. "We're going to the mountains! the statement game with a slapping of the tankard to the table.

"TO THE MOUNTAINS!!!"
Herkimer leapt up, spilling ale everywhere and threw his arms wide. A picturesque scene with beautiful mountains, cascading waterfalls and serene rainbows burst into the air. Then it exploded in a thunderclap.

The barkeep leaned over his counter.
"HERKIMER...What have I TOLD YOU about them damn illusions in my bar?!?!"
Herkimer, hair blown back, eyebrows singed, and generally looking like he had been crawling around in a fireplace all day raised a hand in apology.
"*hic* right...sorry. Wulfe, you better make sure. that. *hic* . i leave on time with you guys tomorrow. oh, give this to a runner for the mage academy. good night."
Swaying unsteadily on his feet Herkimer crashed to the ground with a slip of paper in his outstretched hand.

Wulfe was equally surprised by the mountains and some prickling of decorum hit the back of his mind but washed away with the fuzziness of alcohol just as quickly. "Probably shouldn't be shouting about going to the mountains" it told him.

He did lean in to ask whether or not it was tactically wise for a wizard that created illusions to widely advertise that his magic was just that, illusory. Or whether it lost its power when people widely knew that they were just not real. Herkimer handed him the paper before he could voice the question though and Wulfe was caught mid-way into his first word.

Wulfe looked at the note, (and if it was unsealed), opened it to read before resigning to finish his drink and then head home after giving the message to a runner.

Wulfe opens the paper to find that it was blank.

"Wizards" Wulfe said dismissively but knew that they had odd tricks for messages and committed to giving the message to a runner anyway. If nothing, it would be amusing.

Wulfe becomes violently ill in the next hour or so and spends several hours leaning over the ramparts feeding the fish in the river below...  he's very cold, but afraid to go down to his room until the first shift of guards comes on in he middle of the night and the outgoing guards take him below.  The put him in his room with several making jokes about how to lay him low ... he wraps up in his cloak and blankets and falls asleep... come morning he wakens to a violent headache and a raging need to pee.

Herkimer sleeps soundly. Somewhere. He doesn't know where, not yet. He may find out before he wakes up. He most likely will not.

Indeed.. and he will feel none too fine in the morning as well.

Several hours after sun up and about an hour into the 3rd Watch, the King convenes his meeting ... noting that several key members are not yet present, pages are dispatched to bring in the errant members of the group...

The King nods when Airis leans over to say "I told them so"

In reply to King Conall VI (msg # 121):

John, having slept soundly after packing his things in very little time, as they were usually packed anyway, is there 10 minutes early.

Ovo toocame early and this time not in armor or with any weapon other than a belt knife. The dwarf looked well rested and nodded to both King and Queen.

"Gud morn ta the both o' ye. Me thanks for the fine room n' roast yestereve. They said ye be hav'n ah redes here n' so I came. If I nay need be here ye can send me away."

Wolfe lagged into the meeting having been roused by one of his men. He hid any embarrassment with a curt and headache fuelled abrasive attitude that signalled he was in no mood for folly.

Despite this however he appeared to smile and be courteous with those members of the meeting. I have seen to the things we need to take your majesty and everything should be ready for our journy

Ooc: sorry ipad

Herkimer staggered into the room. He brushed at some hay clinging to his garments.
He tried to remain silent.
"Uuuuugggghhh..."
Belching Herkimer slumped into a corner and covered his head in his hands.

The queen just grins as she sits with the king.

The door flys open and makes a loud back as it hits the wall. "I am sooo sorry I am late. I over slept a bit but I got all my stuff and I am ready to go" she has several bags, looking like she over packed.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 123):

No Ovo, I think it most important you attend. I am glad you were well cared for.

Wulfe's demeanour changed as Chloe flew into the room "Punctuality is such a waning virtue in this day and age.." he said, with words directed at the girl. His voice was laced with amusement at the irony of it all, but he felt at least some vindication that he was not late by himself. Wulfe took note to avoid making that a habit.

Herkimer looked worse for wear, but the Dwarf, the man form a race of stout men known for their drinking habits, seemed to be well-rested along with John. Prudence perhaps should have rubbed off on everyone.


Wulfe nodded at the king's statement to Ovo, and having said already that everything was well-prepared for their journey he awaited instructions while divesting some effort into settling his own stomach.

Herkimer looks up from his contemplation of the moving floor, it was going up...then left..... Then right. A wave of nausea helped him focus on a bright new voice he had never heard before. Though it may have been safer to say he had never heard many other female voices like he had heard... Hers.

Looking up he saw Chloe. Suddenly she stayed still while the world moved around her. He put his head back down and wrestled with a different kind of pain.

I think it wise to delay the leaving one day, and see that everyone gets a decent, and I do mean decent, nights rest. Milady Chloe, I do also think you need to reconsider what you plan to take.. as you can't easily carry that load. Perhaps the Queen can provide some suggestions.
I gather Lieutenant Wulfe has alerted a crew of scouts and men at arms ...  I regret that I may need to adjust that some, so that we have plenty of scouts here as well ... But I have added a Ranger to make up some of the lost scouting capability and some men at arms to keep your protection level up.  Ovo, what size force would be permissible without your Uncle feeling we were trying to invade? Currently we have 12 men at arms 2 Scouts and a ranger... basically a very accomplished Scout with special authority from the crown. The we have Lady Chloe as our Royal Agent, Leftenant Wulfe as the Guard commander,  John and Herkimer as our two mages... they have different abilities and alcohol tolerances.  The King Smirks  Have I omitted anyone?  Ben of Hawks Hold, would your regent have any issues with our Force?

Wulfe nodded at the King's suggestion of delaying the journey by the day. His uneasy stomach sighed some relief at the thought of being stood firmly upon the Yrth rather than tossled by the trot of some prancing horse.

"Your Majesty, who will be our appointed ranger?" he asked with genuine curiosity, he had sat up to pose the question and then felt the tug of his insides from the previous nighht of illness. No more drinking on this journey, he resolved.


Upon dismissal Wulfe casually suggested to Herkimer that they both avoid the taverns that night and get some rest before the trip. Afterwards, it was a quick gathering of the men that had formed to join the travelling group. Both scouts would walk the van in order to provide information about the journey ahead and the Ranger would circle the group as it moved as he thought fit.  Otherwise the men were paired and configured to positions along the line, with particular people assigned to their ward.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 132):

I believe Janic Therun has worked with you before...

In reply to King Conall VI (msg # 131):

Ovo listened to everything that was being said and when the king asked about his uncle, the king, well he just smiled.

"Well twelve be nay so great ah number so 'e'll probably nay mind at all methinks. Yet, me uncle be ah bit on the... disagreable side, me aunt might e'en say repugnant, but 'e nay be too bad once ye get ta know him. That's why they sent me... being one o' the most agreeable o' me kith n' kin."

Then looking toward Chloe "If ye kin nay manage all yer things then I twould offer ta carry some o' it fer ye. Ta repay the kindness ye shown me."

Thank you for the kind offer Ovo... but she'l nay learn about travel with a powerful Dwarf carrying her gear...

"Yes, I will help Chloe figure out what to take. I think she took everything like she is moving out" she says with a grin

"Oh, yes my lord" she says to the king and then looks to the queen "Yes, your highness. I would appreciate your help"

She should leave the book cases, desk and bed I'd think...

Ovo raised a hand and nodded "The bed nay looks over large majesty. I could tote it methinks."

The last said as he stroked his beard and sizing up the furniture.

The kings smirks... Should be no need Ovo, she must learn to camp like the men methinks...

She bows to the king "Of course I need to learn to travel like everyone else. I wasn't sure what to bring and didn't want to leave anything behind just in case"

The king smiles at Chloe...yes, but I do believe you have erred a bit much on the side of caution... don't let my coarse attempts at humor upset you ...we all have done this ... and the Queen will surely assist you in culling the unnecessary.

Burping in the corner, Herkimer moves slightly before trying to excuse himself.
"I'll be back..... tomorrow, refreshed and ready..."

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 143):

"Is there any special preparation you can think of we should be taking, other than usual travel preparations? Do you have any light sources that may help, such as items that are always bright, as opposed to a continual light spell that only lasts for a few weeks?"

"John, light sources would be fantastic. Our men will take torches but anything you may be able to provide that doesn't require a fuel source would be more than helpful.

We don't know the state of the tunnels, but if they are occupied by orcs, I suspect that there will be some light, unless they've learned to see in pitch dark.

Our scouts, ranger and supplies should be able to provide for any food and drink we need but anything you have that might reduce fatigue or the effects of weather might ensure we are quick in our journey

he suggested.

One of the mages will explain that Dwarves can see without light to some extent, although it helps to see inanimate things... they will provide each of you with a light stone... all to torch brightness and two or three lanterns with brighter stones and reflectors to direct the light for those who wish them.


Come morning, a growing group is assembled for the trip. There are horses, but there is no safe place to leave them, so three drovers will bring them back to Carricke.  If you can send word, they meet you at the foot of the mountains on your return. They are also sending three donkey's to go with you into the mountains. There size makes them more likely to fit in a dwarven tunnel ... unlike all of you.

Janic has already gone down to hold the ferry for you...

"I have no such light devices prepared, but we will have enough time while on the road. Perhaps if we mages were allowed to ride on a wheeled cart then we could put our travel time to good use preparing objects of power that could be of use - and hopefully the iron mountains won't diminish their usefulness too much."

"I thinkt he best we get Herkimer is horseback. We can give you and John the easiest of the horses that will follow the others in the hop ethat it doesnt't disturb  you too much.

As the king said also, we will have some basic items for light but anything you could devise would be appreciated.



Wulfe was dismissed and spent the rest of day preparing for the journey. He spent the day eating freshly cooked food, bread with a dollop of freshly churned butter and some soft, tender stewed meat. He committed the taste to memory as he savoured it while washing it down with a cup of weak ale and then prepared all of his personal effects.

Later that night the man went knocking through the castle, to Chloe's chambers. "Lady Chloe, as our queen Airis has stated that you will be with us on this journey I feel that my responsibility for her well-being also be extended to you. So i brought you this..."

He unwrapped from a linen sheet a light steel shirt of chain that was banded with stiff leather around the shoulders and abdomen but ultimately was flexible. It perhaps seemed a little too big for the girl but was roughly her size. "This was the first mail shirt I had when I joined as a soldier. It doesn't fit me now but has saved my life a few times"

The armour was clearly worn but had been scrubbed to a gleaming silvery metal that night and the leather's that had cracked in places had been polished and oiled well to give it an almost new sheen.

"We might cross some orcs during this journey and all of my men will be protected... he left the words hanging before nodding and turning on his heel.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 148):

John will ask for a lantern with reflectors and shutters, and attach it securly to his staff so he does not need to carry it separately.

Chloe will thank Wulfe and says she will see him in the morning. When she tries on the chain, it seems heavy but knows it will protect her.

In the morning she shows up with a single pack to get on her horse. She seems to move a bit, like she is getting comfortable with something under her cloak. She float up and sits on her horse. "OK, I am ready to go. Will we get there by night fall?" she says hopefully.

Ovo showed up girded for war and for travel. To dwarves it was the same thing. Never to be without one's armor or weapons, especially one's axe. He heard Chole ask her question. The dwarf chuckled as he answered.

"Aye! One night we will but nay this night methinks." said with a smile and nod of greeting.


He then greeted Wulfe and the two mages with a nod as well.

"Good morn ta ye all! If ye need me for anything jus ask. I'll be happy ta help in any way I may."

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 151):

John acknowledges the dwarf as he arrives, loaded with his usual travelling gear and the lantern.

"Thank you. Any suggestions about items specifically for travelling underground?"

"Horses..." Herkimer snorts and nudges John.
"First thing we make is a magic carpet. We will have to scour the academy library to see if we can find the recipe."

Herkimer gathers several things this time and arrives prepared with a sack of wizardly goodies. A small gem bag dangles from his waist which he pats frequently to see if it's still there.
He shows them to John - secrets between mages.
"Hopefully these minor gems can help fuel some of our enchantments. I don't have high hopes for them but who knows."

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 153):

John smiles. Herkimer had a lot of good ideas, but a magic carpet in tunnels was not one of them, and it would not be at all discreet on the way there.

"Whilst I like the style, there is nothing discreet about a magic carpet. If it comes to combat, we would be target practice for the archers...but that gem bag is a good idea. I can recharge them, too..."

Wulfe nodded at the group and checked to see that his men knew their roles well enough to begin travel. He spoke up to the group "Alright folk, lets get moving.

Scouts will be further ahead making sure our path is clear of any danger, everyone else bar our ranger will be in the main group.
" Wulfe went around each person as they set off, inspecting peoples' packs and supplies, that they were strapped down correctly and not obviously missing or lacking in any way. (not going through the bags, just the obvious things that can be seen).

Offhandedly as the man trotted past Herkimer he joked with both of the wizards "I think she likes you" he said about the horse.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:08, Mon 22 Aug 2016.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 155):

"Yes, maybe so, but I think it is the ass who likes you! How appropriate!"

Years of soldiering and being part of this kind of jibing was second nature to Wulf eand he shot back quickly with his counter but then realised that for his position it was improper. The words died on his lips, a shame since some jest about a mother mi might have livened the spirit of everybody about to partake on the journey.

Instead, Wulfe just gave a knowing grin of concession to John and nodded as he kicked his horse forward.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 157):

John laughed, and suggested Umbulat take a doves appearance and spread his wings and scout around.

Herkimer is no stranger to jokes and is quick to reply.
"I woman who finally likes me, I may have to take what I can get!"

He says it slightly too loud as tries peeking around the gathering of the troupe as if he was looking for someone.

Steadying himself on his horse Herkimer looked to the horizon,gazing gallantly out to the future and adventure.

The whole group heads out of the castle gate, across the bridge to town and thence down the quay to the large river barge waiting to take them across.  Th ride to the other side is a bit rough and both horses and men complain... some verbally and some physically. It takes over an hour of struggling to get across and then back up to the ferry dock as the flow had carried you down river too far.  All are glad to get on solid land again and let their stomaches settle back down.

( it's a HT roll to see if you get sick... HT -1 or you feed the fish. Anyone with a motion sickness disadvantage gets to subtract for that as well.)

Wulfe stood around and coordinated the embarkment and disembarking of the group on the barge with a wry grin. He'd helped his own steed onto the rig with relative easy and then took delight in watching the soft stomachs of the men as they churned themselves into the water. He made an idle comment about their fortitude "At least it's the ale  that bests me and not plain ol' fresh air" he said it to nobody in particular and just sang it across the main deck of the barge - but it was a jest nevertheless.

Once they were on the other side Wulfe was quick to get people moving.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 161):

John gives the fishes a lovely feed, ignoring the comment from those experienced with this. His strength did not rely on his constitution anyway, and he then followed the others gratefully back to stable land.

Herkimer had not listened to ALL the kings advice (of course) and as they crossed the river he felt last night's wine catching up to him. First came the uneasy, queasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. Then his mind reeled through spell after spell as he tried to fight down the nausea, reciting spells he knew forwards and back, their principals and the laws that governed each one. Jumping off his horse he rushed to the side of the barge to vomit profusely, tripped and tipped over the side. In an effort to save himself he cast a spell. Unfortunately it was not the right one and water shot up into the air all around Herkimer dousing those near where he had gone over in water. A moment later a very soaking wet Herkimer came flying through the air and landed spread eagle on the deck. Spitting out a gush of brackish water he lay still some time before recovering his wits, thankful to be back on land.

Chloe was so excited about finally getting out of the castle and on the road. This would be a whole new world to her. She would just stay back and she road near Herkimer. She figured she was closer to a mage then anything. She figured if they needed her, they would call her forward.

She is so excited to be on her way that she doesn't even seem to notice the rough water and can't figure out why so man of the men are throwing up over the side... she is startled and surprised by Herkimer's antic s and open laughs when he splats back on deck.. thinking he is showing off.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:43, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

"How embarrassing, to been seen in such a way by one such as you Lady Chloe."
Herkimer moaned.
Flopping onto his back to bake in the sun he made a promise.
"I hope to find a way to impress you so your first impression of me isn't so... lowly."

Dwarfs did not like the water. Never have and probably never would. Even this water with ferry and all made little difference. Dwarves were dense and compact by nature. Many claimed they were born of stone and made of stone. Mayhaps they were right, for even without armor dwarves sank just like stones.

Ovo oft jested Do I swim? Aye lad! I bet i be the fastest ta the bottom... it be the com'n up part i be hav'n ah wee problem with.

Yet, he did not fall overboard... at least not all of him. Just when he was about to comment on the softness of his fellow road companions that the urge... the unavoidable urge to lose the contents of his stomach over the side of the ferry.

"Dam! Wot ah waste ah gud ale n' roast! Twice be dam! Look! It be in me beard! OCH!"

And not for the first time, the dwarf looked at the young maiden with awe. For she of all of them did not embarrass herself.

---

9:18, Today: Ovo Goldenshield rolled 14 using 3d6.  Sea Sick?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Tue 23 Aug 2016.

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 165):

She grins at Herkimer "The queen told me about you want what you have done for her in the past. I am already impressed by you sir"

"I appreciate the Queen's kind words. I would enjoy the chance to learn more of what the Queen may have said about me but perhaps those stories cn be saved for when... I'm feeling slightly better."
Herkimer excuses himself, blushing furiously and trying to keep the rest of his stomach calm.

Wulfe shook his head to himself as they were crossing in the barge. Only the girl had managed to keep her stomach and the rest of them were spewing like they'd just won their first battle. He smiled to himself and inwardly chuckled.

Patting the dwarf on the shoulder Wulfe said "Don't worry Ovo, we'll refill that belly on the trip. Hopefully our ranger or scouts will be able to find us some game before we hit mountainous territory he offered sincerely.

He made a point of walking through his men before they set off and inspecting some of their equipment, giving a clout to one of the younger lads who had a touch of rust to his weapon. "Fix that when we make camp" he said sternly. All in all, he knew the men would take care of their stuff, and would see to their own justice but he had in the past been too lenient and friendly with those subordinate to him and keeping too close to such men always undermined and officer's authority. That was one of the first things he'd been taught by the Captain. The role of Sergeant, and to lesser degree Corporal was very different. While authority was over the men they were still part of the group and could socialise without any affront to their position, officers were different though and had to keep a safe distance; at least that was the advice he'd been provided - and advice that had been working well enough since he began.

A pang of something hit Wulfe's chest noting the contingent of mages and then the soldiers and scouts. He could well be the loner of this trip.




How long will the journey take?

It takes an hour or so on the far bank to get things organized and the men to quit retching... it's approaching noon when you set out to the North east.

message to gM:

Yup around 20± miles a day.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 172):

Happy to be back on dry and stable land, John settles back into travelling comfortablely. Having enjoyed Herkimers spectacle, he inquires as to what he was trying to cast to resolve the sea sickness, as he was not aware of a spell that could help with it.

"That was fun, I hope we get to take some barges again. I wonder what a real ship is like?" she leads her horse off and helps people as much as she can.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 169):

"Nay too soon methinks! Yet I thank ye jus the same. I be wi'out ah really role dur'n this journey so if I may help ye jus give me ah shout. I be ahround." he said with a wink.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 174):

Ovo held up a warding hand and shook his shaggy head.

"Nay M'lady. Ye can have me share o' barges n' ships ta boot. I'll nay be want'n ta try that anytime soon. Do ye have ah secret then? How ye kept from... well from do'n wot we burly men did?"

One of the really large Guards pulls his horse off the barge grumbling... Invention of the .... he glances at Ovo and says no more.

Chloe shrugs "I don't know why I didn't and you did. Guess its just my out look on life" she says smiling.

Herkimer tries to lead his horse away but is scolded away by the actual owner. When he finally finds his mare and leads her away he happens to be passed by Chloe, and as staring a little longer than appropriate as she passed he missed a step, got tangled in his robes and fell to the ground face first. Picking himself up he looked around hoping no one saw his graceful fall. Unfortunately for him he was not spared and several traveling companions were witness.  He turned and quickly struggled to mount his mare and leave the terrible memory behind.

During the next leg of their journey Herkimer starts doing the math for how he and John could create a more permanent light source for those traveling the road with them.
"John, do you know the incantation for Continual Light?"

In reply to Chloe (msg # 178):

"Mayhaps so! I'll bid ye ah good day." Ovo said and walked away.

In reply to Hugh (msg # 177):

As he walked away, obviously in a bad mood, he sees the big warrior look at him.

"Wot ye gawk'n at. Ye nay seen ah dwarf afore now?"

Chloe doesn't say any more as all the men are grumpy and that is something she can't do anything about.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 182):

John smiled at Chloe, doing her best to cheer them up, and found Herkimer's graceful exit most entertaining.

"I unfortunately do not, but I understand some items can be created to have a permanent light. Presumably this lantern is one of them. Do you have a spell to negate clumsiness? I suspect you might need it..." he laughed, helping him up from the tangle he fell into.

Wulfe had to bite his tongue in order to avoid laughing at Herkimer's misfortune; it seems he enjoyed the floor more than standing for most of the trip - at least he spent a lot of time hugging the Yrth.

The man had taken position at the front of the column, and despite the utterances, laughter, conversation and animosity that followed him in the guise of soldiers and adventurers the man couldn't help but smile. He hadn't realised how much he missed fresh air, free of the stench of cities. Most of all it was nice to finally know exactly what he had to do, rather than just hoping to figure it out as he went along.

As the group began their journey, Wulfe ushered the scouts ahead but left the ranger to his own devices.


"Ovo, can you tell me anything about this tunnel? How long has it been closed, and why was it closed in the first place?
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Wed 24 Aug 2016.

Tired of being the brunt of all the jokes, Herkimer cracked open his grimoire to study up on enchanted items and the power involved. He ran across some distressing information he needed to collaborate on with John immediately.

"John, in reviewing my notes and known facts of enchanting i fear anything i produce will fail once we reach the mountains, if the threat of no magic is true.

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 185):

"Any area which is completely a no-mana area, does cause spells and even permanent enchantments to end, that is true. Not much we can really do about that, I suppose..."

Wulfe frowned as he rode along with the group, overhearing the two mages. "Don't the dwarves also have magic? I guess that if they can use it well enough it might be fine for you two also, or at least there may be a way to still ... "he stopped mid-sentence thinking about what he way ssaying, he knew nothing of it really but it was worth considering.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 187):

"Yes, Wulfe. That would suggest that true no-mana zones are rarer than one might think. A comforting fact for us. But you should thrive in such areas, since no hostile magic would work either..."

Wulfe chuckled "Yes, I bet it would be easier for me. I have fought a wizard before. I had a rather large piece of ice sticking through my thigh by the end of it. he spat to the ground out of habit at the fight's recollection.

Back in the day he was a skirmisher primarily and part of their role was to disrupt force multipliers of enemy forces. That usually involved missing out any shield walls and heading straight for the most valuable targets. Seeing an un-escorted and unarmoured wizard the youthful Wulfe thought that it was ripe for the picking. Before he'd even closed half the distance, and he was fast, Wulfe had been on the floor a good two-man-lengths from where he was and had been impaled on a number of blade-like icicles. Most had been flesh wounds or glanced and had broken but one of the thicker ones had lodged itself fully through the muscle of his thigh and messed him up - to his own shame the wizard had survived, but that was life.

Wulfe keenly remembered the surgeon laughing at him for taking on a mage single-handledly and commenting on how he was fortunate that the projectile was made of ice - they could wait for it to melt without having to cut it out, like most arrows. The man's side twitched as he remembered that wound with much less fondness.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 189):

"Ah, yes. Ice. Lovely stuff...not like fire though. Instantly stops the bleeding, but the pain of a burn is something else. Ice just makes you numb, by comparison. Though I have been practising with throwing stones recently too."

He casts the spell, barely getting it right...but his throw was more impressive. A large stone seems to appear in his hand, and he throws it at an opportune stone or rabbit he happens to see.

Wulfe's eyes widened at the appearance of the large stone. "How do you throw it like that? I doubt even our friend Hugh could throw a rock of that size such distance..." he asked quizzically.

The rock, about a hands breadth or a little more flies out and smashes against a small stump about 20 paces away, sending rotten wood chunks flying...

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 192):

"Ah the wonders of magic!"

He smiles.

"Underestimating mages can make for painful experiences, to be sure. But they are human too, and an arrow or steel still hurts and makes them bleed. Well, most of them..." His voice trails off as the smile fades from his face with the last sentence.

Chloe smiles as she looks at the stone John made. It stops in mid flight and floats back to her. She takes it in her hand "I guess we all have our powers" she tosses the stone back to John.

As Chloe shows off Herkimer's jaw drops several inches to the metaphorical ground.
He wanders off on his mare devising ways to impress someone who can seemingly do without word of phrase what he has studied his whole life for. He rides ahead and finds comfort in the isolation at the front of the group where he pulls out a stone and starts working on his enchanted stone.

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 195):

John feeds a snack to his pet on his shoulder, who gobbles it down. They seem to be having a discussion, before he turns to Chloe.

"You don't use magic, yet you can do things with your mind. Fascinating...what is this ability?"

"I am not sure what you call it, its mental. I have several powers like that but I don't have all the abilities like a mage. Though I can do it by just thinking."

In hindsight you will all realize that there was a faint trace of something from Chloe to the stone as it sped out and as it came Back...

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 198):

"Do you understand what it is? Is it effected by mana levels?"

Ovo watched and he was slack jawed at all the wizardry!

"Ye all be ah sight ye be. We nay have the like but tis most entertain'n ta see ye all do such things."

The dwarf nodded then spoke to Wulfe "Ye see them tunnels be sealed oh... 'bout sixty winters methinks. The orcs kept com'n through so we'd lost too many ta let it go on. If me memory be ritch... I be thinking the tunnels be used fer mining. It be by chance that we found it stretched ta Ben there's... "

Stopped long enough to point to Ben "... land. mayhaps where he got them jewels he'd be pay'n fer the trade with. Rich those mines were... no doubt rich they remain. Me Uncle may be more than interested ta open up them mines once more. Mayhaps all three lands could profit from such ah deal."

He walked over to Chloe "M'lady I be ask'n yer pardon. Spoke ill ta ye n' I nay want ta do that again. Ye be worth ah whole squad o' dwafs methinks. Well ye nay 'ave ta accept me apology but it needed ta be made none the less."

He bowed low and then turned to leave.

The big Guard just watched quietly ... but the look was stern... or was that it?

Wulfe nodded at Ovo "Well, lets hope it does make us all wealthy, and that it ain't filled with orcs that are too hostile

Wulfe was impressed with the show of wizardry and hoped that they could put it to good use if it was needed to stay alive. It did give the man a few ideas though, shielded artillery. Wulfe smiled.


"Herkimer, your turn! he called out jokingly.




OOC:

Ovo, i think sometimes I need an <english translation> tag for your speech ;)

"Normally I condemn the use of magic in this manner!" Herkimer started stating.
"But this time..."
Herkimer chanted some quick words and made a motion with his hands and disappeared from his horse.
"I'll make an exception."
Herkimer reappeared on Wulfe's horse, holding the gallant soldier around his waist and giving a pleasant squeeze.

Eeeeekkkk !!!  OK Herkimer... are you looking to have your character sheet changed?

Wulfe gave a start at the sudden appearance of the wizard, he held the horse tightly as it bucked lightly under the sudden extra weight and calmed it sufficiently to not cause any trouble. The hands around his waist were a little unsual and Wulfe gave a puzzled look to the man. In Wulfe's past all gentle touches and pleasant squeezes (OOC: I am assuming the waist, of course haha) usually came through gauntleted fists and ended with broken parts of Wulfe.

"You need a woman..." Wulfe chuckled to Herkimer, suggesting in jest that his good sense was being distorted by the wizard's incessant study of magic.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 205):

"Well now, Herkimer is making friends fast..." John chuckled.

Chloe's eyes go wide as she looks at Herkimer. She is glad he didn't do that to her but she didn't think he was like that. She was going to say something to Ovo but was too shocked.

Shrugging at the reaction from Wulfe, Herkimer blinks back out of existence and reappears on his own horse.
"A silly example of course, if i had a dagger I could have made short work of your kidneys."
Turning to face the journey ahead of them Herkimer was able to hide the flush of embarrassment from what he had meant to be some barroom humor.

Wulfe thought for a moment at the suggestion made by Herkimer. "A dagger behind somebody..." he repeated missing the obvious opportunity for jest - or at least glossing over it.

"Tell me Herkimer, can you make other people appear and disappear like that?"

Thus the first day goes... You end up in a small Farming community... a quick check of the inn makes you decide to camp out... no threat of rain, reasonable temperature and many less teenie critters moving about. Fresh food is available and good, so no supplies are used. One guard is all that's posted and as expected, it's a quiet night.

In the morning the mountains seem somewhat larger than they had yesterday... perhaps because of the sun rising behind them.

Opting for the outdoors Wulfe offered to accompany the first man on watch and ensure that everything went smoothly with the first transition. It was more a show of willing than any additional security - and to make sure that none of the soldiers wandered into the village to cause all kinds of trouble.

---

The next day Wulfe woke and stood in the middle of the group looking at the mountains "Rare that you get to see these so close, they look amazing... Not a sight one gets every day... he said before adding ... well, unless you live here

Wait until they get close.... still leagues away...

In reply to Hugh (msg # 212):

John was quiet. They were moving closer to Megalos, and that was never a good thing in his books. He enjoyed the view, while Umbulat simply enjoyed all the breakfast he could. He wondered how he still flew after all that food, but with the right motivation, he still did. With the right motivation. He sighed, and held out another chunk of meat, which Umbulat soon consumed.

Wulfe nodded to Hugh and agreed "Aye, still a good while to travel before we get in them. Never really been under one of them though, imagine it feels a little cramped, unless you're the size of our friend Ovo here"</goldenrod> he said.


As they progressed and moved along Wulfe asked John <royalred>"So, can you talk to it? Does itunderstand people?

Chloe gets up stiffly as she has never slept outside before. "Oh, how I long for my bed. I thought the ground would be softer" she says as she washed up before they eat.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 214):

"Yes, of course. Though he may not answer unless he feels like it. Or you feed him something he likes."

Turning to Chloe

"The ground takes some getting used to, but after a couple of months, the bed will feel too soft, and the buildings claustrophobic!"

The dwarf seemed to be staring off at the mountains.

"Aye! That be me home!" he said to no one in particular.

He smiled at Chloe and Johns remarks.

"Ye 'ave the ritch o' it Jon. When stone be wot ye have then it feels soft enough. Now we dwarfs have proper beds mind but nay like yer use ta."

He walked over to Chloe and nodded "Mayhaps I should've carried that bed. Ye'll get use to it lass. Were ye really want'n ta learn dwarfish then? I suppose I could be teaching ye a few words on the way. that is if ye be interested?"

She looks at John "But what if I like my soft bed." she says with a smile.

"If I knew how hard the ground was, I might have brought a bed with me. One would have fit in a wagon, won't it?" She said to Ovo

Rubbing his body in various places Herkimer joined the group.
"Can you not conjure a bed for yourself, Ms. Chloe? Given your display of powers so far I would not have thought it terribly difficult for you."

Wulfe laughed while drinking in the morning, all this talk of soft beds and hard beds and sleeping when they had just woken to the morning. But while he was eating breakfast, and John wasn't looking, or at least he hoped nobody was, Wulfe wiggled a small piece of meat at the bird in the hope it would come and take it.


"It would be good if we could all learn some Dwarvish on the way to your lands, basic words would probably help us a lot, and at least show some willing and effort he said to the dwarf casually while prepping his horse for travel.


"Just wait until you find a nice pine bough in the middle of a darken forest with pine needles making the floor soft and a fire blazing nearby, it's like being in the mother's womb" he said to Chloe. She'd get used to the outdoors, he suspected it probably was the biggest change for her, of anyone, since she'd used to living well and certainly not rough for a long time.


Diverting the slightly (OOC: was it meant to be IC?) passive aggressive comment of Herkimer, Wulfe asked "When you appear and reappear in different places, is there a limit to how far you can move?"

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 220):

OOC: Perception roll: 4 under.

John glances out of his peripheral vision the meat Wulfe if offering. Given that the small creature spends an inordinate amount of its time sitting on his shoulder, that was never going to be easy.

He looks over to Wulfe.

"I don't mind you feeding it, but if it going to have an adverse effect, you will make an enemy of me, you have to know that."

Wulfe laughed out loud at the suggestion of enemies. "What adverse effect could it have? I just offered it something to eat to see if it's friendly.... it's not poisoned" he added the last bit jokingly.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 222):

"Good. I never take these things for granted...not since I escaped Megalos."

In reply to Chloe (msg # 218):

Ovo chuckled a bit at Chloe's remark.

"I suppose lass. I suppose n' if it nay fit, I could 'ave cut it down ta size wi' me axe or carried it upon me back. That is wot friends do fer one o'nother ritch?"

He then nodded and said "Now if ye were talk'n in me own tongue, ye'd nay say wagon. Ye'd say Kazat. That be our term fer it."

When Wulfe asked about learning a few words he nodded "Aye! That I could me friend. Fer ye,  I do such ah thing. We dwarfs nay teach it ta many mind. We like are secrets we doo. Yet, I think ye all twould benefit from learn'n n' M'lady Chioe spoke o' ah interest. It be the least I could do."

In reply to John of Mallwyd (msg # 223):

The dwarf's ears perked up at John's words "Yer from Magalos then? I nay know enough o' that place. I'd like ta know more if ye could speak o' it. Escaped ye said? Tis sounds like ah bad thing then. I know the empire be always on the look fer new places ta take o'er n' such. Or so I heard ye see."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Sat 27 Aug 2016.

Wulfe agreed "I think there's a story there John. Escaped from what? Megalos, we think of as some bad empire but from waht I've learned of travelling people are just people whereever they happen to call home

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 225):

"I was born in the North, and I started as an apprentice to Mazzarch. However, he wanted to keep me as a slave, so after time I managed to escape. However, I was described literally as an escaped slave, a lie that in Megalos can cost me my life. So I escaped to a better land, making good use of my illusions."

John seems to case a long spell. Suddenly, he looks like an Orc, complete with armour and weapons!

"Not everyone is as they seem in my experience. This is really how I got past the gaurds, despite there being posters with my face on them." His voice sounds exactly like an orc as well.

Ovo jumped back, hand going to his axe.

"Onuzan!" half i surprise and half in warning!

"Slave? Mazzarch? - is that a common thing to enslave one's apprentice in MEgalos? Wulfe asked skeptically, not that he thought the man was lying bu wondered whether an entire empire would live in such a way.


Wulfe whistled at the man's change into an orc "illusion? Can you say make appear a whole company of soldiers?

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 229):

"Slavery and abuse of power go hand in hand; both are so common as to be considered normal there. I can make larger illusion, but that would require considerable expenditure of power, and therefore I could not maintain it long."

He maintains the orcish disguise, glancing at the dwarf with a laugh.

"Yes Ovo, I would like to learn it. It would be good if we all spoke it."

She grins at the mention of making a bed "What powers I have is it. Unlike magic, I can't learn new powers like he can learn spells. My advantage is that I don't need to speak. If I could have carried a bed, I might have but it would have drained my strength. I can only do it for so long."

In reply to John of Mallwyd (msg # 230):

Ovo shook his head in disbelief as the man... errr... orc talked like John but looked just like one of the enemies of his folk.

"Tis ah gud spell no doubt... yet ye best nay use it in me homeland. Lest ye come ta harm n' I'd nay wish that."

Now to Chloe, Wulfe, and any who wished to learn, Ovo cleared his throat.

"Now the word Onuzan means...  wot do ye think? Wulfe? Can ye remember the word fer King? Twill impress me uncle if ye can name him so. Chloe? Do ye remember the word fer wagon by chance? This axe twas me own Dah's. So I named it Razzak. Which twould mean... " he let his words trail off as he waited for an answer.

"Yes, it is Kazat or wagon. I guess its a start" she says with a smile.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 233):

Ovo smiled and winked at Chloe "Aye! Kazat! That it is M'lady. Gamut! Or gud in me tongue. Chloe did ya guess me axe's name then?"

He then turned to the lieutenant.

"Now Wulfe... if we should first meet n' I say ... Me name is Ovo and...  ai-menu Duzhuk... it tis ah greeting from one dwarf ta o'nother. It be three words said after yer name... can ye guess them?"

Wulfe swayed as his horse carried him along the way but otherwise stared blankly at the dwarf. After a short time he said "I remembered some of the other words... " as if it would somehpw help, or at least save face.

Herkimer smiled warily at Wulfe.
"Theoretically, the spells reach is further than any conceivable distance you or I could conjure in our mind. But the further I go, the harder it is. The less I know of my destination the harder it is. And, as it gets harder, the danger to myself or anything I take with me increases. It is fickle at long distances, something I have unfortunate experience with."

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 235):

John made no obvious attempt to learn dwarvish. Instead, he listened to the words, trying to learn their meanings from silent observations. It passed the time anyway.

"I figure it is good to know what people are saying around you and if need be, being able to speak a language other don't. Like the queen and I speak elf to each other a lot."

Herkimer adds his own advice.
"John, a useful spell it's one that allows us to share knowledge of our language with others. It has proven invaluable while i advised the Lady, i mean Queen Airis in our travels if such the occasion arises. what i think may be more pressing may be the adversaries we will meet on the road and our tactical responsibilities...Wulfe."

Wulfe paused a moment at Herkimer's words. "The mages tactical responsbilities can only be determined if I know what are your limits. Being able to move yourelf instantly between places would allow a determined warrior to significantly disrupt any shield wall and the rocks that can be thrown, if made big enough could easily do the same.

Until this point I have never had to consider the role of wizards in any form of skirmish and the times where they have been present it has often been above my rank to determine.

Maybe when we pull up camp tonight you can tell me what it is you're capable of and we can all try to figure out such responsibilities.

Some time after mid day, the gentle upslope becomes low rolling hills, as sunset approaches, the hills are no longer low and the Mountains Jagged peaks loom over your head with the light of the setting sun making the snow tops bright orange and making the rocks glow. Ben, who has been mostly quiet, points out a spot on a ridge as a campsite  and investigation shows it is well used, rocks line a fire pit, low walls surround the camp and a spring runs a small rivulet through the whole.  There isa supply of wood stacked and some Hieroglyphics  on one of the rocks.

"A good place, well used - unlikely to have trouble here if it's so frequently occupied.

You, you and you, take first shift....

" Wulfe observed while walking around and kicking the blackened material in the fire pit to assess its last use.  He pointed at three men and began to set up the nightly duties, three at a time to make sure everyone slept soundly. While doing this Wulfe took some long strides around the camp to inspect each part of it - it was habit more than anything and subconsciously he was mapping the lay of the ridge.

He breathed deeply, looking out across the landscape and sighed wistfully. It was a sight to behold, something magical perhaps when you felt like you were standing above the world looking out over it. It was odd but he sensed that the world was his to command and in that moment he felt a spike of power within himself as he looked, like a lion across the kingdom he ruled. He shook his head briefly with a shiver and pulled himself back into reality and caught a glimpse of the pictures on the rocks.

He stepped closer and then kneeled beside it, pressing his fingers across it, to touch, while looking. "What's this then? he said loud enough to attract attention.




togm:

The camp is well sited, defense should be easy with the force at hand and it would be very hard to sneak up upon ... whomever chose and prepared the spot knew something of tactics and defense.

Ovo looked at the marks and gave Wulfe a nod "Jus like I thought. Them be dwarf runes. It be say'n replace the wood when used ta be ready for those who may follow."

He looked at Wulfe "Do ye want ta know the ritch thing ta say ta me Uncle, the king. Ye know, ta impress him? In me own tongue o' course."

Wulfe laughed as some of his soldier humour spilled out " As long as you're not teaching me how to tell him how I want to be bedding his wife. I'll learn some dwarf-tongue, aye he said with his eyes trying to take in the precise layout of the runes.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 245):

John was immediately attracted to the runes, and checked them all out. Umbulat took to wing, after John suggested he find some woods where there might be trees that are home food for him.

Chloe came over to look at the runs "So what to they each mean? I just want to know in case we see them again"

OOC - Do stop and read before hitting send...  Chloe is looking at the dwarvish runs... which I gather the rest of you missed.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 248):

OOC: I understood some were Dwarvish, but as there was several runes but just one meaning, I was wondering if the rest meant the same thing, or indeed if all were dwarvish.

OOC - All were Dwarvish... there were just enough to get the point across.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 250):

I see. As soon as Jihn realized that, he looses interest in them.

"Guess we should find some wood to replace what we use..."

Herkimer turns to the dwarf which he thus far ignored.
"Ovo, is it customary for your kin to travel far regularly? Or perhaps you recognize this as a dialect from more regional dwarves?"

In reply to Chloe (msg # 247):

Ovo nodded and said "Aye! M'lady that be exactly wot they say. Well it be this to those who use the wood to replenish it for the next traveler."

He turned to Chloe please at her knowledge thus far and said "If ye think this be ah gud practice then say so in dwarvish M'lady. I know yer keen mind knows the word for gud."

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 245):

Ovo shook his shaggy head "Nay Wulfe! I be like'n ye ta well fer that. I will be teaching ye the very richt greeting... that is if ye can remember the word we use fer King in me tongue."

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 252):

Ovo shrugged "Nay ah way o' know'n fer certes gud Mage for we dwarfs have the same runic alphabet ye see. Though me folk have traveled this far n' further on business afore now. That be true."

She looks at Ovo "I have been told I have a keen mind" she says with a giggle.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 256):

Ovo nodded "I'll say it ta booot M'lady. Gamut! Gud! Now the word fer trade be important ritch? It be gartazd or trade. The word fer for caravan be many wagons. Wagon be kazat n' caravan be kazut! I know ye can remember that. Gamut!"

His curiosity sated, Herkimer helps prepare the camp as best he can, including replacing whatever wood he uses.

By night fall, a comfortable camp has been made... the night again passes quietly, with an early morning owl being the only excitement.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 259):

John also helps prepare the camp, as well as preparing breakfast in the morning. He sends Umbulat to hunt for some owl to eat, being partial to hooters himself.

THAT WAS BAD!!!!!

Nothing to worry about, WUlfe liked it that way. Before sleeping he called on the ranger to give a report on the land ahead. He knew that the man would have probably been deeper into the mountains and so it paid to at least have a vague idea of what the group were walking into. Even if there was no threat of anything too bad the group had at least one member who wasn't used to hard travel.






Oh wow, I read the OOC thread first and didn't understand what the "Dad joke" was.
Bravo John.

Herkimer woke fr a restful sleep, a full feather mattress and pillow were wedged under a full canvas tent. It had taken the made nearly an hour to conjure the items but he had enough of "roughing" it with Airis before and would fully take advantage of his magic this time around. Standing and stretching, he moved away from his makeshift home and it drifted away on the next breeze turning to dust. Stretching and cracking his hands he walked over to Chloe.
"If you so desire m'lady i would gladly conjure a bed for you as well, just beware getting up in the middle of the night, it tends to go *poof* when you stop touching it. I suppose the same could be done for any of our company, perhaps in exchange for taking my watches."

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 262):

Not much further we can go... this is a box canyon... and I'm not seeing any way to go on, however Yon Dwarf likely knows some secrets, methinks.

Wulfe nodded "That at least would explain the Dwarven runes.

Ovo! Can you help? he said, followed by a calling to the dwarf. Once the dwarf had arrived he mentioned that the canyon was a dead-end for any travel over the surface.

After helping set up camp, she will talk to Ovo in drawf as much as she can.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 265):

Ovo nodded to the lieutenant "Aye! There be ah special way nay too far now. There  be little blind corner that be hide'n the outside path up the mountain. This will lead us all the way ta the Strong Gate. Now then Wulfe, M'lady, n' any one that may want ta greet the King properly. Please listen."

He then paused a heartbeat before speaking once more.

"Ye say Uzbad! Dorok! Me name is Wulfe, ai-menu Duzhuk. Which is King! Peace be with you! I am Wulfe, at your service. Then ye bow low."

Looking at Chloe "May I introduce ye as ah maiden o' the court o' Azbad Aris?"

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 267):

John sighs. Political manoeuvring taught him to always get the words right at least, so he tried repeating the words, several times. Only using John instead of Wulfe.

Herkimer listened intently. Here had been present when Airis meet with Giants, bartered with orcs, traded pleasantries with master Dithnar and each has shown the importance of custom and politeness.
He learned the words and committed them to memory.

Wulfe listened carefully and attempted to remember the words (OOC: I'll roll for his memory later) but at the point was a little more concerned with the passage they'd have to pass.

"What will we find inside the strong gate? Is that where your kingdom lies?

Chloe learns as much as she can. She is the diplomat or she is learning to be one. Airis had taught her to be one.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 270):

"The strong gate be guarded but wi' eight dwarfs. Yet I'll wager the way the path be set they could hold off hundreds... mayhaps thousands. ye see the path zigs n' zags. It be very narrow besides. ye'll all be get'n ah  gud walk in fer sure jus ta reach it."

He thought upon the question further and then said "It be jus the begin'n o' the realm o' me Uncle. The tunnels stretch out far n' wide from there. Tis gud ta be home. All o' ye will be very welcome indeed. Tanight ye'll feast wi' me kith n' kin."

Wulfe whistled at the prospect of eight holding off a thousand. He knew that dwarves were indefatigable but otherwise was unsure that such a feat would be possible - at least for humans.

"Sounds good, our lady diplomat here will no doubt help us all make a good impression, with Airis's tutelage having been given." he replied.

"I can't wait to try and negotiate with them. So Ovo, what can you tell me about your customs? I guess I don't want to make any big mistakes."

Herkimer rests a moment and feels the land for mana, the source of his tricks and power, the source of his ingenuity and identity. The source of his usefullness.

The land has mana... not wild amounts, but useful quantities... better than much of Caithness.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 274):

Ovo tells Chloe there are two major things she will need to know, besides how to greet the King in dwarvish.

One

"Gold doesn't burn."
A Dwarfs' love of gold is oft seen as greed but it is for a dwarf a very practical thing. It has stood the test of time and is reliable. A dwarf usually says it when asked about payment. When praising a trustworthy clan member or rarely a trustworthy non-dwarf.

Two

"You don't find gold by licking the rock."

Dwarves work hard and expect others to uphold their share. They abhor laziness and hasty decisions. A dwarf usually says this in response to a hasty judgement or when a more thorough search should be made. As a reproach to the lazy.

These things any dwarf will respect, even from a non-dwarf.

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 277):

John also makes note of what was said.

Inspired by the dwarf and his culture, the landscape and something stirring within Herkimer was moved to quietly sing a song from his youth. Which is odd because for any of his traveling companions, for the years for some, and months for others and only two days for the most recent - none recall Herkimer speaking much to his past beyond the mage academy.

May fortune find you, my bonny child
Sailing the rivers and sea
May fortune find you, my sweet child
Roaming the world so free
Gold is for spending
Girls are for chasing
Treasure seekers are we
But if you want power
Seek out no bower
Knowledge is all that you need...

He faded to silence, several moments of silence followed before he spoke to Ovo.
"I also had such examples, eschewing laziness. My father sung such songs while toiling over his books and after beating me for being lazy..."
Herkimer took his mare to the perimeter of the group and fell into a mood.

Wulfe listened to the song Herkimer sung and as it was going he reached into his pack and pulled out a small wooden flute. After the song he reflected "I should probably get to learning this soon. Can anyone play it?" he asked hopefully.

Since becoming an officer of the guard he had attempted to expand his awareness of the world and some of the intricacies that others appreciated. It was true that magic was beyond him, for the time being, but some of the pursuits of noble-birthed people were piquing the man's interest. It also helped to focus on activities that did not involve sharp metal and death from time to time.  He'd noticed that most of the older soldiers he'd come across in his life barely had a spark of sentience beyond that of an animal. They were grizzled and cynical and usually sported the worst virtues of all men. Wulfe had resolved to heighten himself after numerous conversations with the Captain in an effort to elevate himself and not fall into a grizzled old curmudgeon - He'd never found a man to better him with a blade and the chances are that he would be join the ranks of veteran before his time as a soldier was up.

"It's a good song Herkimer, I wonder if knowledge is all you really do need. I know Hugh here has knocked the knowledge out of more than one man and been the one standing at the end" he added as a joke.

Herkimer reflected upon the comment for a moment and found himself being a tad bit wiser than he normally was.
"Do not think so heavily upon knowledge as a word. You know how to swing a sword do you not? To hold audience with nobles? To live from the land and provide for yourself and others? Knowledge is not just what John and I can amass in our books and mystic ways - each of us holds a facet of knowledge that gives us power over others. How you use your power is what distinguishes you. My father used what he knew, what he was capable of, to gain advantages over others, exploit them and become wealthy. He had no life which I wanted a part of though, which is what lead me to seek knowledge on my own."
Herkimer turned away then, his head down.

Wulfe listened, it made sense. He did have knowledge of swords, it was true that he couldn't forge one like the smiths or tell the tales of famous warriors but he knew the feel of one and how to use it. Was that knowledge? He'd never studied really, not like with books but the man supposed that was the meaning of Herkimer, Knowledge has multiple manifestations.

Though Wulfe deep down suspected that some were far more important than others. Sending people into the afterlife was a skill that the world would be better without he supposed - but alas, in the world it was a necessary evil.


He noticed the man's head down, it spoke of sadness and he repeated to himself with a grim smile "you need a woman" another small joke.

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 279):

Ovo called after the mage "Ye have ah problem wi' wot I said then mage? Do ye see yer Dah in me n' me folk do ye? No man or dwarf best beat ah child in me presence. That I can tell ye. Yet, if ye think I n' me kin should be bothered because we like hard work n' like wot that work brings then ye best be mak'n another song. Ye about ta be among folk that are different than ye, aye. Ye best be think'n if that be the ricth place or no?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:40, Sat 03 Sept 2016.

*pulls out his universal translater*

"Master Dwarf, do not confuse my sad memories of an abusive childhood with virtues I admire which we share. Be careful jumping to conclusions, it does not serve us envoys well. I admire you too much to see our relations fall apart to such a miscommunication."

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 285):

Ovo squared his shoulders "I nay be jump'n lad. We dwarfs were nay built for jump'n. Merely ask'n ye wot ye meant. If we share the same virtues that be grand n' good. I jus wanted ta be sure ye were nay confusing yer abusive father wi' me folk. Me relationship wi' ye be still young, fer we nay know much about the other. Miscommunication? Mayhaps it was such, cause I nay knew wot ye meant. Ye said yer piece n' walked off.  Yet, I knew I best be sure afore I led ye before me Uncle. We be different he n' I. He be ah bit... prickly about certain things."

"It's best if from here out we both be clearer o' our mean'ns. So can we be certain o' one thing n' shake hands beside? We both hate yer Dah!" said the dwarf sticking out his hand and with a wink of his eye.

Herkimer nods emphatically at Ovo.
"Yes, yes I will drink a tankard with you to fix this. Perhaps two, though that may not aide us much in our quest to speak clearly with each other. And your right, my father was a right bastard."

Another curiosity about the raising of children. It was reasonably common for a father to take a cane or belt or hand to their child to teach them discipline. Wulfe wondered whether their stout disposition and hard work ethic was stemming from discipline that came innately to the children of dwarves. Maybe they didn't need punishment or didn't act lazily at all. It was something Wulfe made a mental note to bring up at some point with Ovo, but resisted the urge presently - as it could touch a sore spot with Herkimer.

Wulfe had known a few men in his time who had hated their father with burning passion and didn't much talk of anything that had happened before they'd left to join the army. He knew better than to press the subject of one's dark past.


When we enter the dwarven lands I shall be eager to try some of the famed Dwarven ales ... he said as he swayed easily on his horse, hoping to change the tone of the conversation to something lighter.

Ovo responds with Ye Be in me uncle's Lands, Lad

He takes the lead as you come to the dead end and angles off for a short bow shot before going around an outcropping... as you follow, you are surprised to see a path close to the height of a man wide which curves around and up ... you have to ride single file and the horses soon begin to struggle with the climb ... as you get off to walk, you too start breathing hard and fast... you have to beg many rest breaks, but come mid afternoon you come upon the little fortification Ovo spoke of. There is no way around it, Oe side is a forever drop and the other rises straight up out of sight. The gate seems to be of iron or steel and above the gate there are numerous bow slots. There is one very small window that let's a dwarf's head fit barely ... and one promptly fills it, looking over the file behind you.

Wulfe grinned and was easy enough on the men and women as they required rest. They could make up time past. Wulfe, while he felt the heat of exertion in his body didn't really feel too taxed by the climb up hill, in fact having been riding for a couple of days it felt good to stretch his legs again. Horses were good for travel but the man didn't like to spend too much time on them - he considered the people who fought from the back of a horse and wondered how they ever managed to get used to that feeling. Wulfe had always felt vulnerable on the back of a beast that had am ind of its own.


"Well, it looks like we're here at the gate." he said with a wide grin. As the dwarven head popped into view Wulfe smiled and nodded at the face before turning his attention to Ovo to make introductions.






Passed HT /fitness roll by 3

Chloe thanks Ovo for the information and then listened to the men. She was content to walk along and listen. Airis had told her it was always wise to listen and then make a decision or off a thought.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 291):

John also kept his mouth shut. Talk of parents never cheered him up much either, and the climb that followed was strenuous enough. He muttered a few healing spells on his back as the twisting and rocking got to him, and was glad to reach the top. Umbulat flew over the walls to see what led beyond as the approached...

Ovo nodded to Wulfe and then went forward. He then gave a slight bow to the dwarf guard.


"Dorok! Iz Ovo, ai-menu Duzhu!" he said rising.

Then pointing back to Wulf "Iz Wulfe, burm khuhaj ozah Uzbad Conall."

Ovo then motioned for Chloe to step forward "Iz Chloe, brum Az ozah Azbad Airis Moonshadow!"

Ovo turned to the two of them and mouthed, out of eyesight of the guard.

Say the greeting

---

Wulfe now you will need a translator if you were not paying attention. ;)

Chloe looks at the guard and says "Gamut" hesitantly as she is trying to say it correctly.

After Chloe had said her piece Wulfe dropped his horse and nodded, calling out tothe dwarf in the window.

"Dorok" he called out before offering his name and state. He wasn't sure whether Chloe was being shy or if she had forgotten the words but he felt it best to not leave her standing silent too long.


"Iz Wulfe, aye mennu Duzukh" he said the words, knowing that the intonations might have been slightly off.  He then opened his arms instinctively in a gesture of no ill-will and guessed the meaning would be similar between peoples.

"Lets hope I said it right" he said, turning back to the group and chuckling a little.

Dorok Chloe, ai-menu Duzhuk. she says to the guard.

Ovo gave the Lieutenant and Lady a nod and wink!

"Gamut!" he whispered. He the turned toward the guard.

The Guard seems to nod and disappears, his voice can be heard on the other side and you hear things moving there. It actually takes about 2 minutes of things moving before the gate opens with a squeak and you are waved thru.


The various things to block that gate are surprisingly complex ... it obviously is thoroughly blocked with layers of things.


It is another two hours of struggling up the trail before you find the entrance Ovo seeks. The ceiling soars to about 7 feet  and it is noticeably warmer inside.  A stew and bread is brought for all and ale flows freely. The animals are cared for and their loads removed. Looking around you note the various tunnels are a fair bit lower and smaller.  Ben of Hawks Hold leans over and says none too quietly... we walk from here on...

Herkimer take the ale but cautiously. Before he was a mage drowning his sorrows. Now he was an envoy, and most importantly, looking briefly over the lip of his mug, he had to behave in front of a lady.

He sighed. Not so everyone could hear. A mental sigh. The kind you hope feels liberating but fails to make you feel anything other than empty of air. He looked over at Chloe once more, as discreetly as he could and wondered whether any woman would ever take Airis' place.

Drowning the mug he stole into the stew. Hopefully the ale was mild. Consequences be damned.

The Ale is none too mild... indeed a rather stout brew, but the stew seems to absorb a good deal of it's punch ... drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 300):

Both John and Umbulat enjoy the stew, and after seeing Herkimer's performance at the palace, John opts to drink water. He senses rather than hears Herkimer's sigh, but gives him the privacy he wants. He had learnt of Herkimer's affection for the Queen, before she was so, and he hoped this new lady could help him get over it. Lord knows he needed to...

Wulfe thanked the Dwarves for the warm welcome and tucked into the food and drink ravenously. Travelling always made him hungry and he knew that voyages like this itwas rare to get anything of good quality often. So he savoured it.

"That gate seems to be built more more strongly than any one i've seen.." he said over his bowl as eating.

What would seem to be the ranking Dwarf here pulls Ovo aside...

Ovo ate with a hearty appetite and drank with a mighty thirst. Yet around mouthfuls of food and belches, he nodded toward Wulfe and Chloe.

"Ye both did well taday. Aye! Jus be remember'n that greet'n for we'll be before the king ere long. Oh! Another term that may come in handy be thank ye! Which is said like this... dolzekh menu. Gamut? or Ogamut?"

Seeing Herkimer drinking alone, the dwarf walks over "DoroK Friend! Is the ale ta yer lik'n then? Is it Gamut or ogamut? Good or bad as we say under the mountain."


When the other dwarf calls Ovo over he nods "Pardon me... he wants ta know wot in the seven hells be go'n on."

In reply to Ovo Goldenshield (msg # 304):

"Should we say more than an exploratory expedition to investigate the closed tunnels under the mountains?"

OOC- Well actually there are several Drovers to lead them back down the mountain and back to a rest area until gain needed.

Chloe eats and sips the ale. She grins at Ovo "Thank you. Learning languages is always a good thing for a diplomat. Being able to speak the locals language always goes a step further in negotiations, that what the queen said anyway"

In reply to John of Mallwyd (msg # 305):

"Probably worth being honest and open about the goal if we're to develop a friendship with the dwarves. I don't think anyone here would be eager to tell the Megalans what's goingon - and we can always leave out some of the detail.
he said while chewing his stew.

Raising his tankard to Ovo Herkimer nodded.
"It is indeed, gamut. Thank you for your kins hospitality Ovo."
As talked turned to why they were here Herkimer weighed in to the discussion.
"I believe Wulfe has the right of it. Honesty is a very good policy in diplomatic relations - you also never know if they have a soothsayer among them. Better to err on the side of friendship and honesty"

In reply to Herkimer (msg # 309):

"I was not for a moment suggesting we lie. Rather, I was suggesting we be cautious in telling the whole truth. Why endanger this man's life needlessly? If Megalos was to get hold of him, who knows hat they may threaten him with to get justification to start a war..."

Wulfe nodded "Well, obviously we tell the plan to their king, but everyone else should know only as much as they need. As you say, we wouldn't want MEgalos starting a war over a tongue too flappy he agreed.

Staring down to the bottom of the tankard with one very suspicious eye Herkimer doesn't hesitate to blame something else for his mistake.
"I concede to your wisdom John, perhaps this ale is stronger than I anticipated."

Only careful observation would reveal the red flush creeping up his neck in embarrassment.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 306):

Ovo continued to talk to the dwarf in charge...

Ovo asked the dwarf's pardon thinking he best he way into their discussion.

"Wulfe be richt... n' all o' ye be richt really. We want ta be honest iz why I told them ye all be 'ere fer trade. Yet, we'd best leave off the tunnel part fer later... once me uncle gets ta know ye ah wee bit better. Ya see them tunnels be sealed fer ah while now n' there be reasons why. So fer now ye be 'ere fer trade betwixt Ben's folks, King Conall's, n' me own. Gamut?"

Ovo then pulled Chloe aside "Az Chloe... I best be tell'n ye that most dwarfs be ah wee bit fickle 'bout sum things. Mostly the stout folk think o' males be'n in charge. Now I've done explained that ye be hand picked fer the job by Azbad Airis n' that ye can hold yer own. Me best advice is ta stand yer ground n' nay let any push ye 'bout. Once ye gain their respect, why they will see wot I already know. Gamut?"

Chloe looks at Ovo "Airis always told me honesty is the best policy especially if you are looking at long term relationships. She also said to be flexible and know when to give and when not to. Be Strong on the important issues. And I know as this is a mans world, I am at a slight disadvantage but it never stopped The queen"

In reply to Chloe (msg # 314):

Ovo nodded "Nay will it stop ye Az Chloe. Ye make ah mighty fine envoy n' diplomat. I'll help ye in wot ways I can."

He then bowed "Dorok, Iz Ovo, ai-menu Duzhuk!"

"Thank you sir, now I just need more practice. Then I will know Dwarf and Elf. I would also like to learn orc. The queen said it is good to know language of your potential enemy"

In reply to Chloe (msg # 316):

John practised the Dwarven language as well, but he tried to do it more discreetly. He also enjoyed his mean and the hospitality...

Wulfe nodded at the Dwarf's comments. Best to just give as much information as was required and not much more, but he wouldn't lie if pressed of course.

"Trade is where it is at and our primary purpose - so that's what we will do and say " he said as if to reaffirm what had just been said.

You are all given a place to sleep, stacked furs, which beat the dickens out of the hard ground. In the morning you are fed and a small contingent of the Local dwarves leads you out through a series of tunnels, some of which are quite low and none to big... There is up and down , but mostly up and they grumble about having to wait on you while you rest.  You have no idea of what time it is when you finally come into a large underground chambers in which a fairy large number of dwarves live... roughy like a human village. You are ushered into an inn like affair and food and ale is brought.  The locals are almost bursting with curiosity.


You see your first Dwarven females, short stocky women who obviously work hard. Short stocky children acting like children and the men who are more restrained and cautious. Ovo is asked a LOT of questions.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 319):

John relaxes a little and plays with the more curious of the children, but making sure no items disappear in the games...

It's not an issue... they love the attention until the adults get nervous and call them away.

In reply to Master of Fates (msg # 321):

As Umbulat play a little, John notices a nervous parent.

"Don't worry Sir...eer, madam, ahh..he will not hurt your little one, will you Umbulat?"

John gave his friend a look as if to say...'you better not!'.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Mon 12 Sept 2016.

Chloe walks around and talks with the children if they come close to her. She observes those around to see who is there.

Unless you want to be Umsplat!... lots of big hammers and axes about.

In reply to Chloe (msg # 323):

Chloe is of great interest to the dwarven females... who barely come up to her shoulder, if that. None speak Anglish, but he hand and face gestures convey a lot.

She will try to talk with the woman as much as she can.

They seem quite interested in how tall you are ... your coloring and your hair ... most of them have blonde, brown or red hair... and it is thick! But unlike the rumors, they don't have facial hair and their arms aren't much hairier than yours. they also comment on how smooth your hands are.... and how weak you seem 9they feel biceps) and wonder how you can maintain a family.

Wulfe walked through the dwarven tunnels with a slightly stunned silence "To think that under the Yrth as we know it there is a whole other world".

Upon entering the cavern it seemed that everything burst into life, women and children as well as the male dwarves wer living there. It was a village, but underground.

"How many people live here he asked as walking and looking around the place.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 328):

John joked

"It is not muscles, but money that enables one to maintain a family...which is why I have none!"

Wulfe chuckled at John's joke. "Not looking to expand your name John? I could see it now, a herd of young critters running about you. The way you look to that bird, maybe it's something you do want" he said, adding his own joke to the mix.

In reply to Wulfe The Pretty (msg # 330):

"Best be careful your own humour does not come to haunt you. Maybe Chloe could convince me otherwise, Wulfe, but you best lead by example!"

Johns tone is matter-of-fact, as his humour usually is. He knew Wulfe pretty well, having adventured with him before, but those that knew him less may not pick up the humour in his face.

Wulfe laughed out loud "I don't doubt it already has John. I don't doubt that there maybe some little pups running around some place.

Might even have a few nieces and nephews too." he said.

Afterwards he trotted up to CHloe and announced light-heartedly with the obvious tone of jovial facetiousness coming through. It was more an effort to embarass the stoic John than anything but he played a long.

"Chloe, I've been told that I must seduce you. Therefore I think it only right and fair of me to warn you ahead of time. When the charm comes, prepare to lose your heart" he said with overly emphatic gestures and a false tone aimed at mocking proper noble and genteel courtships.

Perhaps it was their location, the lack of sun or some other combination of effects that gave WUlfe a moment's silliness.