Young lads they were, probably not even too much younger than Giles, but they were right to be scared. Foreigners in their land, previous hostilities a cultural, religious and overwhelming societal disparity. But the man wasn't one for war mongering.

"Tell them we're just travelling and need to resupply, ask them about taverns and if they're from the village nearby. he paused a moment, keeping his posture non-threatening and then  added

"Tell them, we're not here to cause any kind of trouble and ask them the name of the town he said.

better to make friends and see what information we can get, rather than cause any incident..


Giles didn't think that they would be very welcome in the village and so a sleeping palate might be wishing for too much, but a friendly conversation with merchants or something of that nature might prove fruitful in the search for any forces along the border. He wasn't sure exactly what the plan was, but having contact with people was a surefire way to make things more interesting than sitting on Cutlass and trudging through this open half-desert.

As an added afterthought giles motioned to ROderickson. Ask them about the tracks...

10 yards is fine.

Again, try to seem non-threatening and ask the questions.

Before we head back though it'd be nice if we can ask about any forces they've seen lately and if those were the tracks they were inspecting.

Giles calmly and Rodrickson hesitates for a moment, before throwing off a few quick words in Arabic.  "[Language unknown: Li stistrwhe,]"  Rodrickson gestures his hand towards Giles.  "[Language unknown: Adave el u wa nt steema, aila estai e ri ri himoar e fo viratista.  Eenthoort, o et beliro ad dinwasing, red i urelec om his ca chasas.  St levir anpaic aitrutle oveallrutlat itson th ine si erail.  Tio weevit wapece whedayoer, po a elta men whun'wandil?]"

The oldest of the boy shakes his head as he answers back.  "[Language unknown:  Chceng a m ei k witverugh n ble.  Ol t prun laca ticmenres whias ame m esthousti der k maivma p ughpreman wa on m moerai one omeonstra i ect pl her n nti pre an teni estantrea ekesha.  Fi pro evill comstacom Tabuk, nahe ouningnte houention ilsi!]"  The boy finishes with emphasis, although Rodrickson manages only a poorly contained smirk and a chuckle.

Rodrickson continues on, taking a hand off his spear to pat his horse on the neck as the beast nickers and shakes its head.  "[Language unknown:  I os anyveroul hatthutho waetio atfiio o tinse sisifo hiout masi wa ch ouldi welles, int sanateyin ineer weneec?]"

The boy nods, his fearfulness seemingly abated for the moment, he seems to take confidence in the conversation.  "[Language unknown:  Avema, k pehe u pochck moliro a hiseveons conek lin eriour traun m wh teolle t thi Locendas, n latrromi forll.]"  The boy says proudly.  Rodrickson's face turns slowly to a frown, though the boy does not stop his speech.  "[Language unknown: I ilis rini k adthi eau, poni peisse t foadev be oun, thoeaurat mo an alplma al ilonho pr yinul sestecat leiv thour thiconver tha man pl os a all.]"

As the boy finishes for the moment, Rodrickson turns over towards Giles to report.  "He says that there isn't much in the way of spare food in the village to sell or places to stay.  I get the impression that it is just families and extended families that provide for their own and trade for things they don't have.  I'd be surprised if you found a market there at all.  The village is named Tabuk and they seem rather proud of it.  He also mentioned the antelope up by the river as the easiest source of ready food.  He says they are up there somewhere just about every day.  He also mentioned something about lions prowling about...  I'm almost certain that they are active at night."

Giles mentions a few more things he is interested in and Rodrickson relays the questions back, the boy responding in kind with a few short sentences.

"They haven't seen any armies or forces around here... Other than us."  Rodrickson feels obligated to include.  "They weren't sure what I was talking about when I asked them about them looking at the tracks...  I did some digging and it seems like they were just out looking at their father's fields and got caught up working until the light was totally out.  Might have been a misinterpretation on Edenburg's part."

Suddenly though, the two hear something over their shoulder, a sort of loud shout from the village, though the voice sounds inquisitive rather than alarmed.  "[Language unknown:  Salim Wa wich ent?]"

Rodrickson shakes his head slowly at Giles, though he quirks his head toward the village to better listen.

OOC:  I think you may realize the precariousness of your situation, but to make it entirely clear (as your character would understand), Megalos and Al Wazif have been to war three times in the past 150 years, and though Megalos pretty much wars with everybody as it's nation building strategy, the ones with Al-Wazif have in particular left some negative impressions.  Imagine that you are an Isreali walking into a rural town in central Iran... wearing commando gear and carrying an assault rifle (wearing chainmail and carrying spears).  Now I'm not saying that anyone is going to outright attack you, but asking to sleep in the town is downright foolish as word will no doubt spread and there is a great chance that someone will get some ideas.  Larger cities usually tolerate more diversity (and indeed there remains quite a bit of the remnants of Megalan bloodlines and culture after the city has changed hands so many times) because they are dependent on trade and in general greedy to prey on foreigners financially.  Just wanted to make sure that was clear, carry on.

Giles nodded and then continued "Ask them where the nearest city is relative to here" he said, to keep them talking instead of thinking while he had his own time.

Considering a moment, he figured that it might be worthwhile to talk to some more of the older people of the village, before making a move away. Having shown interest in the nearest town, it would be then prudent to set up camp in a different direction side, should anyone get any malicious intent during the night.


"We are searching for information on some things, is there anyone in the village we could speak with?

Do emphasise the point that we're only here to find out some information and have no ill-intention


I wasn't sure how apparent it would be that we were 'commandoes' exactly.

I'm just going off what I think is reasonable, if i do step into "you're being stupid" territory, i geuss Giles's intelligence might catch that before I do :) so thanks for this, and any future warnings.


Also, as regards to information, we have the symbol of the medusa right? Like an emblem that we could possibly describe/show/etc? If it's a cult, or group or something of that nature people may have heard of it prior to now

When Giles asks about the closest city, Rodrickson immediately turns over towards the boys and starts speaking with fluid gestures.  "[Language unknown:  Sanoneshe n her lawhte thi pe somad?]"

The eldest of the boys looks confused and answers haltingly.  "[Language unknown:  An art.  Monc Tabuk.  Tholeseen Sanoerati Mana.]"

Rodrickson seems to take his time before he responds, choosing his words carefully.  "[Language unknown:  Ur, Tabuk we avedinall te, roritoen lous e yin ndulwe sherestra, lo elndch pe sstack larproear us?  Oveonssom oulo e ie menbutsta wackun m ol thaonedin ati?  Ousrathas ar Tabuk llpaul?]"

The young boy answers, his chest puffed out as he speaks with determination.  "[Language unknown:  Tabuk et ainaai arnde, fi itinti.  Cahoni, peliales]"  The young boy points to the south over the village and the high rolling hills.  "[Language unknown:  Alhint Intomelat n Fostna sta ivst hemi ughlesrat.]"  The boy points off towards the west, in the direction of the Great Forrest.  "[Language unknown:  I ndla leort n etate atiantres uronar heer caolio tr Atihouere, evore ur foivpa.]"  The young boy points off to the east, finishing his speech with a nod.

"[Language unknown:  A er prckchte her iveruthou-tertio sith p prerbe etna sepeho trwh stiit ss k ofic.]"  Rodrickson responds.  "[Language unknown:  T ioosth mousen eau ncethoect ivpo p maave omewhestr ad houmo rionpa ce oul ndurlo andicaain?]"

"[Language unknown:  Ichnd.]"  The boy answers.  "[Language unknown:  Pleen tretat, Fasad thoeauver intr undla sefile thore virlesear ethechtr.  On ncentered mi wasne o ate rea era.]"

Rodrickson turns to Giles and tries to translate as efficiently as possible.  "It seems that there is little in the way of cities near here.  He mentioned that Quasz as Sawh is to the east, though there are no roads that go there.  He also mentioned that there is a merchant in the city who may be the best person for us to talk to...  It seems they get few interactions outside the village here."

"[Language unknown:  Salim.  A th ch eees waers to...  Asnd a ill!]"  The voice back at the village is now shouting, thought it seems as confused as it is alarmed.

"I think they saw something."  Rodrickson says as he tightens the reins in his left hand.

OOC:  You guys did not take a medallion of the medusa, althought you can feel free to attempt to draw one, which will default to IQ-4 for drawing, with an additional -2 for not having tools to make the drawing with.  Unfortunately, it is specifically your chainmail which is giving the impression, or at least that and the spear that Rodrickson is using.  Those two items are not normlly allowed to be worn but anyone other than the nobility and the militias.  Since you are obviously not Wazifis it is not hard to deduce that you are military oriented.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:00, Mon 03 July 2017.

"Fantastic, tell your friends that  things are okay, you're welcome to go to them. As I said, we are here as friends and not seeking any confrontations.

If the merchant will see us, we would like to talk with him..." he said to the man, gesturing to his companion to translate before turning in his seat to look at the callings from the village.  He looked to the direction of alarm.

"Likely Edenburg..." he replied casually to Roderickson, willing to call the man from his wide flank.








I guess they may have spotted edenburg. If the alarm in the man's voice comes from Edenburg, Giles will wave to him to come closer. I guess as the gesture will be calm, Edenburg will realise the lack of threat.


If it is Edenburg


ROderickson... please translate that the man is with us and he was just sitting there to keep look out and ensure that nothing bad happened to us. A precaution is all. he said, keeping his calm demeanor apparent to avoid any startling of the people infront of them.

Rodrickson nods and speaks back to the boys in Arabic.  "[Language unknown:  Ckeiwa, be mi thi we wh rimo, e t t eibe wipoal, was e not theareoul ounderons dermo ie, a ateorelat ame ng vorticera p foon.  M est ntinnd som outeauast lapr'prpe i usith ughrom'amemen os adou hasan wa te as.]"  Edenburg points a hand off to the northwest.

The boys nod appreciatively, and possibly with significant relief as they walk on past the two mounted men, nodding at Giles as they go, and breaking into a quick-paced run once they are outside of a few dozen steps.

"[Language unknown:  U pead whce un ssusic!]"  Rodrickson shouts at the voice coming back from the village.  "[Language unknown:  On ll miwhe er action t illhe wheersugh enll wa en ainet ional utneal.]"  "Edenburg!"  Rodrickson adds as an afterthought.  "Get your ass over here!"

"[Language unknown: Re art whimo atihatsti!]"  The voice from the village responds.  "[Language unknown:  Tinur nowil ho out ntdin utcaat!  Et whi!  M er it ouwh heut korureich wersonnte der!]"

Rodrickson's face sours slightly at the response.  "I'm not sure they're going to be entirely friendly sarge.  They sort of threatened to send their cavalry out, though I'm not sure they are entirely serious.  I think they just want us out of here."

In but a few moments, Giles can hear the sound of hoof beats approaching from the east...
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:40, Fri 16 June 2017.

Giles felt his posture slump a little and then, as he readjusted himself in his seat to regain posture a wry smile crossed his face and he addressed Roderickson in a very casual tone.

"Take note corporal, this is what happens when you do the right thing.

Gritting his teeth, frustrated, at the affront they had afforded such hospitality I heard that the Wazifi muslims were known for their hospitality.  Be sure to remind me, the next time we encounter such people that I am an overly sentimental and generous fool he added with a touch of irony.

Saluting the village, standing in his stirrups, Giles made an overly elaborate gesture to bow. Clearly parodying the idea of politeness and etiquette, before dropping back down and kicking his horse to movement.

As they caught up to Edenburg Giles added Keep an eye on those riders Edenburg, if any of them get close, put a fucking arrow in them. he added with a touch of venom.

Giles cantered the horse off away from the east and away from the direction of their camp. There was no use letting them find that this early on.

Rodrickson watches as Giles makes an elaborate bow from his horse, he shifts his own towards the east, regripping his spear as the sound of hoofbeats grows ever closer.  It turns out, however, that the gesture is unnecessary and the rider turns out to be Edenburg, rather than more of the Wazifi.

"I think they saw me."  Edenburg starts off even as the others start marching their horses to the southwest, toward the direction of their camp.  "I didn't really know what to do so I just stayed quiet.  Thanks for talking them down Rodrickson."

The other man nods.  "To be frank, things could have gone a lot worse.  I'm just glad they didn't send anyone out.  It's a tenuous relationship that Megalos and Al Wazif have kept over the past few years, and some of these border towns can be downright hostile.  I think we probably stumbled on to one that is even a little bit kinder than average."

"Still."  Edenburg adds with a smile.  "Would have been nice to get a little bit of a restock, a man can only eat so many meals of smoked meat and dry bread before..."

The three men had just crossed over the hill towards their camp and it is immediately apparent that something is wrong.  One of the bags has been upended and scattered, the contents of rope and personal gear flunk this way and that in the grass.

"I didn't mean it!"  Edenburg says to no one in particular as he gives his horse a nudge in the ribs to get her quickly to the site.  Edenburg dismounts, going quickly to the belongings and inspecting the area.

"Bushwolves!"  Edenburg nearly yells after studying the area but for a few moments.  "They must have been following us...  I knew the horses were jumpy earlier!"

Rodrickson likewise has dismounted, attempting to tidy up some of the gear that is still on the ground.

"Its the food!"  Edenburg adds, opening up the bag as he rifles through it's contents.  "All the food is gone!"

"I've got some in my saddlebags."  Rodrickson answers back.  "I never took those off when we got to camp.  Though I don't think it's much, maybe enough for tonight?"

After spending a few moments evaluating their inventory, the three travelers indeed find that the food is the only thing mission, although it is a large majority of what they had left.  What remains is enough for tonight, and perhaps a single meal to split amongst three people in the morning.

"Shit!"  Edenburg curses, throwing a punch at the ground in frustration.  "What do we do sarge?"

OOC:  Sorry for the confusion.  The rider in the last post (sound of hoofbeats) was actually Edenburg, and the town is off to the south.  You never heard any stirrings from that direction other than the shouted voices back and forth.  Sorry about the bushwolves, they were the result of a wandering encounter that I rolled earlier, but only after did I look at the description and realize that they don't attack people, especially groups, so they waited and sniped the food while you guys were gone.  You have 4 rations remaining and you have not eaten yet tonight.  Obviously you have several options for trying to acquire food.  Right now it is dark enough that Edenburg will resist any attempts to try and engage him to go foraging or hunting, and will encourage the group to try it in the morning instead.  But if you want him to try something now, he will defer to your authority.  Just let me know where you want to go from here and I can fast forward appropriately.

A slightly sense of foolishness washed over as the men began to speak and Giles kept silent while thinking what might be the next best course of action that might avoid them being rejected so wholly by the local townsfolk. Cities would probably be better.

"Yea, Rod, I guess a lot of these villages would react in the same way any Megalan village would to a trio of Wazifis. Maybe we did get a better welcome than one should have expected.

Giles reflected as they stepped up the slope of the hill, feeling a weird sort of peace in the sway of its gait under him, sat with companions with a tangible goal for the immediate future. Coupled with the freeing experience of the plains in which they currently stood there was an odd sort of freeing experience to the air.

If you had asked him only a few days ago he might have complained bout the dust in his throat, or any number of other things and it had only been in their most recent journey that the lifeless blandness of the environment had turned into something a little more.

He understood why people could live there.


That contemplative feeling got destroyed as Giles felt another punch to his lower gut when he saw the camp. "Fuck..." he said with a calmness that seemed in deep conflict with the inner mix of feelings he felt.

Kicking the side of Cutlass into a trot Giles pulled up beside Edenburg and then dropped from the saddle to inspect the area.

"Just the food? he walked around nudging a few things with his foot before adding more.

"

Don't worry Edenburg, food can be replaced.

We can get by tonight, go hunting at first light see what you can get us. Then we'll make way as straight as possible to the nearest city to see if we can buy some supplies.

I don't want to press those villagers too hard right now and it shouldn't take us too long to reach the next city. With your hunting and these rations we might do well - and if not we'll just be a little hungry for a while.

Just make sure we have water he said before re-pitching his tent.


After a short while Giles had the idea and then suggested it to the tracker "Maybe we could set a trap for one of those bushwolves... I hear they're tasty.." he offered, inadvertently touching his stomach as he began to feel the beginnings of hunger.


"Rod, take watch when we go to sleep, wake me up after a span of hours (2) he said before heading into his tent to snooze before nightfall hit proper.



Okay, plan will just be to camp for now.

4 rations will cover us for the night - and Edenburg can hunt in the morning. If there's any real problem we can just slow down our pace of movement and focus more and more on hunting to make sure we're well fed.

If a situation becomes dire, the river will have fish, and deer and all kinds of things nearby.

But other than that we'll camp for the night and move in the morning.


Giles will give Edenburg a full night's rest ... he needs less sleep so after he's relieved he'll take the rest of the night on guard.

Though his men despair with the news of their lost food, Giles throws a voice of reason into the mix, saying they can acquire more food either by skill or by purchase.  After all Quazr as-Sawh wasn't that far away.

The three tidy up their belongings, restage their camp, tend to the horses and ready themselves for the night.  Giles's head has barely hit the pillow however, before he is roused from his tent.

"I come to speak with the Christians!"  A deep baritone and commanding voice calls out from some distance away.  Though the voice speaks a competent Anglish, there is no doubt an Arabic accent to his voice.

"Sarge!"  Rodrickson's voice by comparison is harsh and panicked.  "Someone's here!"  He adds, quite unnecessarily.

Giles removes himself from his tent with some haste, attempting to get the most information as quickly as he can about the situation.  Off in the distance of the night, three forms stand silhouetted in the blackness, several dozen yards off.

"We come armed, but in peace.  We will not suffer tricks."

OOC:  It is about 2130 on the 9th of December.  You can tell it is going to be another cold night.  Rodrickson still has your spear, but you can elect to have taken your sword before you left the tent.  I'm assuming you took your armor off to sleep.  Edenburg has also stirred and followed you out, grabbing his axe, bow, and quiver and hastily attaching them to his body.

Giles was dozing nicely and thinking of the Araterre women that had been so famous in the stories of his family's land. He cursed under his breath at the disturbance but then quickly zoned into what it meant.

Ducking out from his tent Giles stood up and assessed the situation. Now they were on foot, and their horses unsaddled, without surprise. This was much more of an even fight if it were to happen and Giles cursed himself a little more. But at least they wanted to talk.

Stepping forward, he made a point of gesturing Edenburg and Roderickson to stay back as he stepped out into the clear between the two groups, sword still at his hip.

"I will talk with you! he called out to let his voice carry over the arid air.

"In Peace! he added as an after thought to highlight the lack of hostilities that he did want.

"There are no tricks, just us." he said before stepping out to the middle between the two groups.

As he walked a lone out into the cold night Giles reflected on the nakedness he now felt without his armour. When it had first been put on him it felt like a lead weight that only hindered everything he tried to do, and now it seemed to be such an integral part of his person that standing out in the cold wind felt like he would be cut down by a strong gust.

stronger he whispered to himself, under breath.




He'll keep the sword with him, but yea no armour etc.

Giles agrees to the simple terms of the meeting, and the three forms step ever closer until they are only a few paces away from Edenburg, Rodrickson and Giles.

The man in the middle seems clearly in charge of the small party.  He is stepped in front of the other two, he seems eldest, with grey streaks running through his black hair, but most of all his armors are adorned with decorations unlike the other two, and he wears a waist-long mantle over his shoulders.

All three of the men are wearing studded leather armor that covers their torsos and limbs and have the strong build of warriors.  Each of them carry at their hip a curved blade with a guarded handle that seems built for slashing.

"We have heard from our young that there are Christians here."  The man in the middle says in his halting Anglish.  "They say you have desires of trade with our village, but the Christians have never brought trade, only war.  What is it that you would have of our people and why do you appear at our gates at night?"

OOC:  The three of you guys are about 8 yards from the three Wazifi men.  Though the man in the middle seems open to discussion, the features of the men on either side of him are set in stone and distrusting if not downright hostile.  All three men have their weapons stowed at their hip, though in easy reach.

Giles opened his palms to his side and then made the gesture to look around. "There are only three of us, we wish no war, and have no desire to fight at all.

Simply, we are journeying around this area to find possibly connections and some information about those that live beyond. We had thought only to buy some extra food and supplies from your village and did not want to impose. he said while smiling.

"You speak good Anglish... how did you learn?" he askied with genuine curiosity.




I'll kjust get something out.

Been broken this week and run under.. so i'll just try to post as and whe I can, sorry if it delays you at all

"I am Fasad."  The man introduces himself plainly, pointing at his chest as he does so.

Fasad steps forward, a pace, seeming to strain his eyes with only the light of their campfire to illuminate the night, casting wide shadows over everything.  "Food we have none to spare.  The harvest is long past and the seeding of the fields is not yet done.  We will not know if this is a good year or ill until the planting season is over and our food stocks decimated.  Even now we send hunting parties to the river to supplement our stores with the antelope who drink by the willows."

Fasad nods, as if bringing the point to a close before continuing on again.  "Supplies we have some, what have you come to trade Christian?"

As Giles asks his last question, Fasad leans back, gazing at the night sky above.

"I fought in the Border Wars many years ago, the Caliph rode through the villages, calling up all men of age that could fight.  I battled at Bannock, and sieged Raphael before our forces were thrown back by the wizards of Megalos.  I spent years in Bannock before returning home because we feared the Christian King's truce was a false one.  There are still many Christians there and I learned your language speaking to your people who stayed.  I learned that some of us are not so different but that some of us cannot coexist."

OOC:  Sorry to hear that.  By no means do you need to feel like you are slowing my pace and I fear that things may drop in pace considerably after the weekend is out as my RL will be returned to upheaval as we finally get all our shit to unpack in the new house.  Hope things get better over your way and take your time if you need it.

The man listened and offered his own name in response to the introduction. "I am Giles" he said offering a hand shake. Before gesturing to the group that they could come closer to the fire

"You're welcome to sit with us, I'd offer you some of what we have, which is currently little due to the ransacking of our camp" he said with a chuckle and a slight shrug indicating that such things happen.  GIles intended to go sit by the fire, if the others were willing and then answered the next question.

"To be honest, the real trade was to be some food but more focussed on information and knowledge... he said, circling in his mind about how much of the truth should be revealed. This man, at least, seemed one of the more reasoned people he'd met who had been involved in war but it was still a tenuous encounter at best in that moment.

... I don't know a lot about Muslims, or Wazifi people, or even much of the history of here. So we were looking for villages, or larger groups of people wandering around these parts to open some connections with. As there are few of us, we don't have much in the way of trade goods exactly, but some coin and optimism" he said casually with a chuckle.

Giles, glanced to the sky and then back to Fasad when he began to tell of the story reflecting on his own encounters with north men when he was a young boy. He compared how he felt about them and mapped it to Fasad, and felt a little worry. Of the men he'd known, GIles had always tried to be more open to the idea that people can be good, bad or both depending on one's view of the situation. It was a sentiment not often shared, not even by his own siblings. Giles wondered what kind of man Fasad was.

"Having been involved in such battles and witness to the things war reveals to us must have made you cautious about people north of the border, indeed.

Such things really does seem to push a man down a path that leaves little middle-way. Wanting it to be done and finished through peace or destruction. I take you for the former, Fasad. he said, attempting to gently urge the man's dialogue on matters of war and peace. If Giles could guide the conversation well enough, Fasad might reveal more information about people with less willing to accept peace, it was early in the night and the Hind-born Megalan smiled.



I think a lot of this slowness from my part (other than actually just being a bit fucked and shattered) is 'wanting to measure up or make sure I think the scene through before just posting something.

Which is a good thing, I sduppose.

I wouldn't worry about slownerss, I get it that a lot of people have issues with RL taking over their free time - as long as the game doesn't dwindle to a stop, i'm really excited about it.


I don't know whether I need a roll for it, I suppose so. But basically Giles will try to guide the conversation to get more information about Fasad's views on the peace/relationship between MEgalos/Wazif and those that don't view it as a good thing.

Giles walks up to Fasad, and the other accepts the offered handshake, but at the invitation to come closer by the fire the other holds out his hand and shakes his head.  "My soldiers are jumpy enough without adding a need for haste.  We will stay here, although your courtesy is appreciated.  Stay by your fire and we will consider any peaceful resolution a success."

Giles continues on, attempting to mix humor with a tone that denotes the precarious nature of the situation.  Though he does not elicit any laughter from the other, the man smiles as he responds.  "We do not trade in optimism.  And though barter with coin is not often done here either, it is good to keep a supply on hand.  What information is it that you seek?"

Fasad listens on, nodding at times with Giles comments though his response is somewhat guarded.  "There are many who Megalos as the great foolish Cyclops, swinging it's power haphazardly.  There are few who would not cause it pain if they thought there was no risk.  The young ones are particularly drawn to this way of thinking, for they have not seen the nightmare of real war.  You will find fewer who seek to end the peace, and none who would say it to you openly...  Though certainly there are some who are seeking to gain power or favor who have that goal in their heart.  How much is this information worth to you Giles?"

OOC:  Ok, I stopped here since I'm not entirely sure what your intentions are.  The way I see it, you have a couple of options.  You could try and develop a relationship between the fort and Tabuk, if that is the case, roll vs. diplomacy.  It would help if you buffer that skill roll with a gift of some sort, anything from coin to future trade, though remember you only have the sway of a new sergeant at the fort.  If you want to buy information, roll vs. Merchant and let me know what coin you want to use towards buying it.  Note that you already have made a reaction roll vs. Fasad so a successful merchant (defaults to IQ-5) roll will simply make him think the information is less important to you (i.e. worth less) and a failed one more so.  It won't drastically change the amount of information he is willing to sell, just the price.  If you want to try and trick Fasad into giving you information/stuff or whatever, roll vs. fast talk, although this will be a contest vs. his IQ and failure may have worse consequences than the other options.

Giles nodded at the refusal and replied with what he hoped seemed to be graciousness Aye, peaceful is the better path to walk in such situations.. He said contemplating the situation. If he were this man, and had soldiers to his command, then they would be placed around the camp. It must be so, Giles casually glanced around and then up as if taking in the view of the sky for a moment.

After a pause, what he hoped appeared to be consideration he added "Well firstly we were curious about any larger groups moving around this area that perhaps aimed to cross into Megalos. They may be a caravan of merchants... he said with a wry grin, hoping that the caution Fasad had shown would give him perspective of the second meaning ... or indeed just an intrepid group of people wishing to see more of the world .

As Fasad spoke about Megalos, Giles held his face deadpan and flat revealing little of what he truly thought. He knew that Megalos had ambitious goals regarding its borders and they had warred with almost every province that shared one. They did like to throw their weight around, but similarly it was the society and civilisation that he knew. The northerners seemed to be barbarous and the Wazifi too devoted to their God to function properly. Giles had developed a small reputation for being catastrophically wrong. The thought of his exclusion from the magic academy stabbed at his thoughts for a moment.

Was what Fasad said true? Or perhaps just the resentment of a man fighting for a cause. MEgalos hadn't really won the war, but it was surely agreed that Fasad's own country was less mighty. Did he also imply that Giles was too young to have realised the nightmare of war. Perhaps he was...


The information is worth the price that you ask and the one that I'll accept. But the cost, I feel is paid more dearly than either of us really wish for.

Having suggested the reasons, GIles hoped that the response would be forthcoming. He didn't want to draw the medusa emblam, but felt that it might take him a step closer to some real answers.



You'll have to correct me if i'm wrong about any of this


I guess he'll keep from being explicit in what the information would look like, but instead allude to it through his speaking. I guess it's a good way to gauge that Fasad is indeed reasonably well put together in terms of his mind.

And if anything, it would be rude to imply that the Wazifi were possibly threatening war with MEgalos... and even perhaps dangerous to imply that it might be the end result of any actions.

So, he'll imply that the goals he has are the same as Fasads, i.e. to ensure that war doesn't happen and that the tenuous peace they have remains. In showing that his thoughts are similarly aligned, i guess this would help build some kind of relationship, even if not a strong one.
So, in this case diplomacy is probably the better roll


15:53, Today: Giles 'J'naeth' Hind rolled 9 using 3d6.  Diplomacy. // PASS

Fasad nods his head at Giles's words, though his response is somewhat less helpful than Giles would hope.  "I do not know of what you ask.  There are none who seek to cross the border as I know but my knowledge of the other tribes' daily activities is little.  I can tell you that the Ghargh je Be' tribe is a day or more ride to the East."  Fasad points off towards the distance, his cloak fluttering gently at his feet.  "Otherwise, two days to the West you will find the VIghro''a' Cha'par tribe against the foothills of the mountains.  Both of them you will find to be more hostile to you I think, for I know both their chiefs lust for power and fame."

Fasad pauses for a moment but carries on his conversation with a single half raised eyebrow.  "I think perhaps it is odd that you seek to find groups headed north into Megalos, you who have come to cross our border without a second thought.  Be careful what you imply Giles.  There are those who would think you do not have peace at heart but only maintaining Megalos's superiority."

Giles grinned and  replied "Well, a trouble I would have to ensure Megalos's superiority in the Wazifi lands with but only a small few of us.

All I wish is knowledge, and like you only to ensure that rivers flow well and smooth and clear.. In reality, Megalos was superior, but only in some ways. There was a great difference between their cultures and Giles suspected that the desire to maintain ones own fortitude and influence was at least equal on both sides of the border. Indeed, if there was a planned hostilty then it seemed those very desires might give impetus to such plans.

He then paused a moment and  glanced again up at the sky and considered the disparity between their eternal calm and the storm that often one might find himself standing against. Hostility from another in this land, Giles hadn't expected such negative attitudes. Though the thought crossed him again about general feeligns to the northmen. It was easy to miss such things when you'd been raised a world away and weren't invested in the happenings on an emotional level.

"I'll take your advice about the nearby villages as sage. What of the nearest city?

I thank you for meeting Fasad, the next time I'm in these parts, I shall bring something more worthwhile to offer than just suspicion. he offered and then quickly added before misinterpretation could occur
"I'm sure merchants would be very interested in trading with an open and willing town in Al Wazif"




sorry for the delay and sorry for your IRL troubles.

Either way, I think there's probably not much in the way of maneuvering that I can do currently and pushing any more information might cause that successful diplomacy roll to become more dminished in its effect.

I'm back in the game now! fast and furious (or at least keeping pace with you)


Anyway, a quick OOC question:

Would it be reasonable to assume that the foothills  to the west might be well positioned to set up a forward outpost if their tribe leader happened to lust power and fame?


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:56, Sun 20 Aug 2017.

Fasad answers Giles's last question by shaking his head.  "There is no city near.  The Pillars of heaven are days West, though they are more a landmark than any real city.  Crossing the mountains south would put you near as-Siyassi, the capital...  you would be well received there, or if you travel east to Keyhole bay you will find Bannock and Qazr as-Sawh.  Either will be welcoming to you, although Qazr as-Sawh holds the northern garrisons and you will not be permitted to pass through armed as you are."


As Giles bids the other goodbye, Fasad nods at Giles offer with a coy smile.  "We would happily accept trade from the north though I cannot foresee it happening with any haste.  Good luck Giles and be careful not to stir up the villages.  I cannot imagine an outcome more disastrous than the tribes going back to war with the Christians.

With that, the three men back up slightly before turning and heading back south towards their village.

"Sarge..."  Rodrickson volunteers after a few moments of quiet.  "I think it might not be a bad idea to move on a little farther north... or at least to get away from this camp site.  I don't like being so close to the village and them knowing where we are even if they seem to be peaceful."

OOC:  Welcome back and again, apologies for the down time, hopefully things will keep up at least with a once a week pace if not more than that.  I guess I don't quite understand your question though.  You could say that either village, east or west was positioned to set up outposts although the one to the west would be closer to the fort.  Just to make sure it's clear, the general trend is the larger the city the more trade and the more foreigners people are used to seeing (and likely the more permissive they will be) although it's still not a great idea to wear armor and carry open weapons anywhere, especially where people may be biased against you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Thu 31 Aug 2017.

Giles nodded at Roderickson You may be right, lets see what we can do to move off this place and go to a more remote position. Some of those men with Fasad seemed to be a little more hostile than I like too.
he agreed and then began to pack his things.

As they continued Giles wracked his brain to think of how he might find any real signs of hostilities towards Raphael or their garrison, or Megalos too. <purple>"We should head north anyway, make our way up to the mountains and check out that area before making some effort to start heading back.

If anything more than a roaming band was gathering or operating against Raphael, then the mountains would be a good place from which to conduct operations. We'll spend some time there and see what information is revealed.

<purple>

Deciding after a few moments conversation that a move is prudent, and that the first direction that they should go is back towards the border, the three pack up the remains of their things and saddle up, the horses protesting mildly in the process.  They make their way at first along the river, though Rodrickson suggests a deviation (as it's already proven that the village uses the route along the river) and the group eventually decides to head east for a few miles before resetting their camp.  With some luck The group avoids any other encounters and wakes in the morning as the sun rises over the plains.

"Well Sarge?"  Edenburg asks as he puts all of his gear away again, yawning away the early morning tiredness.  "What do you think, try and find some game this morning to replenish our stocks?  Or do you want to keep cruising around looking for the medusa head gang?"

OOC:  You managed to avoid all your encounter rolls for the night and made it to the morning unscathed.  You are down 1 fatigue so far from an assumed missed breakfast and will go down 1 further fatigue each meal you miss.  You are about 2 miles east of the small tributary you followed to the village and probably a dozen miles south of the Megalos border still.  Let me know what your big picture plan is, you are welcome to try and stay and find game or food in other manners, continue to search Wazif for your villains, or head back to the fort (or Raphael if you want to go there).  Just let me know what your big picture plans are and we'll keep moving from here.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:08, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

Aye, lets go get some more food before we press on. See what you can find" he said in response to Edenburg. He let out a wry grin at the mention of the Medusa head gang, thinking perhaps his own spirits reflected those of the other two.

The journey for the most part had proven to be rather unfruitful, though with the meeting of Fasad and establishing some contact with the people of the village, there may be some promise fo the future - even if they weren't overwhelmingly friendly or welcoming.


Brashear had said.

He reached into his sack and pulled out the book. Roderickson, can you go over the notes in here and see if any indication is given about the location of anything that may be vaguely of interest? he asked while wracking his head.

The grassland with interleaving hills could hold an army. So maybe there was the path back to the fort.

"We'll have to head back to the fort via those lands, so make careful note of the scrawlings on those pages.




OOC: having re-read some of the posts prior to this, i'd missed one of Brashear's points (or at least figured that i'd sufficiently understated our military allegiance..

quote:

wear no indication of your rank or military allegiance

- I guess I just screwed that up a little.


Okay, big picture:

- trying to figure out any way of finding anything related to this, so looking for any kind of clue that could indicate

- At this stage, it's probably worth circling back towards the fort as Wazif is basically a wasteland and trawling through it is unlikely to be rewarding. With mostly hostile people in the vicinity, it's not worth probing other villages.

- So, we'll circle the way we came for the original adventure (roughly) and following clues that might be left in the text of the 'Environs' book.

- We'll take a slowish pace, to recover and keep strength and come up with ideas.

- When closer, or at some point, maybe before he goes to bed one night Giles will aim in the most likely direction (the hills) and probably try to do some kind of 'Seek Earth' spell to see if he can find anything. The key is identifying an earth-like substance that would be amassed in a group and not be arbitrarily found. Steel is my best bet at the moment.

- If nothing is forthcoming on the way back through those hills. Returning to the fort would be best - at least then we can say "there's nothing obvious, and locals aren't very willing to help" (even despite my (player) blunder) and that more people would be needed....

- perhaps he can use this as a way to commission a flying mount ;)


BTW, I can post pretty regularly now. Back on it, at least daily, so don't hold off because I've been slow recently.

"Sounds good Sarge."  Rodrickson nods as he takes the book from Giles, putting it in his saddle bags.  "I'll start working through it when we next take a break."

And without any fuss, the three set off at an easy pace.  Though the temperatures had become cold over the night, and the three men begin the day exhaling in puffs of steam, the low sun quickly rises in the sky, warming the air enough that the sting of the cold is only a mild discomfort until the sores from two days lengthy riding overwhelms it.  A low hanging sprawl of grey and white clouds are progressively splashed across the sky, growing worse in the west over the lands of Caithness and the Great Forrest.  It is perhaps two hours later when an excited Edenburg dismounts from his saddle to check the ground for a moment.

"More Antelope!"  He says as he looks back up and grins at the other two, remounting his horse and pushing off towards the northeast in the direction the tracks lead.  Edenburg dismounts a few more times over the better part of the next hour each time checking the game trail to ensure they are still headed in the right direction.

Finally, the three spot their game, a herd of fifteen or more antelope, stopped on the plain.  Most of the animals have their heads down in the grasses, feasting on the dry grasses though two or three of the outermost animals have their heads perked high, twitching this way and that as their tongues seem to taste the air for danger.  Edenburg motions of the other two to halt their progress before he dismounts and begins to skulk towards the beast pulling his bow out in front of him with his left hand.  Slowly, painstakingly Edenburg closes the distance to the herd until Giles thinks for sure that any movement from the man will cause the whole group to flee.  Edenburg slowly takes a knee on the ground and braces himself as he knocks and arrow and pulls back the string to his ear.

Twang!  The bow hums, but it is not the only noise in the calm air of the midmorning.  "Shit!"  Edenburg curses, barely attempting to keep the word below his normal volume.  In truth, Giles did not need the interjection to know the arrow had no chance of hitting its mark for the arrow sails high, probably eight feet over the middle of the herd before arcing back downwards to the dirt below.

Spooked yet again, the herd takes flight at an inhuman pace.  They leap in steady strides off towards the east, disappearing beneath the grasses as they crest over a small hill...

His face contorted in frustration, Edenburg makes his way back towards his compatriots, his bow still gripped in his hand as if his chance to redeem himself was coming at any moment and might be fleeting.  "Think we should try and trap them boss?  I'm not sure how well the bow is going to work unless I can get closer, those things are small and flighty as pigeons."

OOC:  it is 0900 on the 10th of December.  You have ridden about two and a half hours at a light pace and then Edenburg took at least the last half an hour to try stalking one of the antelope unsuccessfully (to be honest it was a tough shot and while he's good, he's no genius with a bow).  You have not yet suffered any additional fatigue due to hunger.  Let me know what you plan on doing, and if you want to stay here to let Edenburg lay some traps, how long you want to be.  You are probably another two hours from the border to the north.

Giles laughed when Edenburg returned, as if more to lighten the spirits. "Back at the fort I'll have you practising archery for 2hrs per day for the next month! he then patted the man on the shoulder. Inwardly, he was disappointed and acutely aware of the hunger that was grumbling his stomach but these things happen and it was never productive to criticise a good effort.

"Traps might be a good idea, we need to make sure we eat and we're not in any particular rush to get anywhere. Indeed the extra time might give Roderickson chance to read through the comments and help us find our 'Medusa gang'.

If we can wwait here then we will, if we need to be somewhere else then let us know where to be Edenburg he said jovially.

With that, he wandered off to the closest thing to shelter nearby and began to untack the horses.



He'll go to the nearest place to rest, and let the horses rest a little.

Roderickson could probably start reading the book, while edenburg is being a scourge to the antelope.