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17:58, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 12: The Start of a New Adventure.

Posted by RaddekFor group 0
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 48 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 03:24
  • msg #86

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Gustav looked at her and nodded, Touching his forehead, mouth and heart . That was what he had been told they did ... Mind, Mouth and Heart.  He took the Bow and attempted to flex it as she had, but his chest objected strenuously. His best guess was that it was strong, but not unmanageable.  His concern was for her weapons choice, as the whip was a complicated weapon and the knife required you to be more personally acquainted with opponents than he desired. He motioned to the Crossbow, with his hand flat much as hers had been then pointed to her.
Rondald Bertrand
player, 50 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 03:52
  • msg #87

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 86):

Taking only a steel file and his share of coins, Rondald waited while the others sorted out between themselves what would be used.

Handing one of the broadswords to Gustav, he commented.

"That is fine. I can use a knife sufficiently well."
Magnus
player, 39 posts
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 11:11
  • msg #88

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Magnus seemed surprised at the generosity of his share, but given his somber mood, he likely would not have protested one way or the other. "That's more than fair" he agreed, and using one of the fallen mens shirts bundled up the pile of chain mail and clothing then set the broad sword, crossbow and the case of bolts beside it.

All told with his share of the coin it amounted to easily three months worth of work for him, providing that he could find the work and was fairly paid for it, and that he did not take any time to himself in between. That and there was no way that anybody would have likely sold him a crossbow, selling weapons that could punch through a cuirass to "monsters" would not sit well with most, and certainly not the sword in almost any case.

He ran one calloused finger over the crossbows stock, wondering if this was the one that had very nearly taken his life and felt a small shiver run through him. His life had changed so much in the past hour or so, and it was a little overwhelming, almost too much to think about all at once.

He looked curiously on as Gustav worked through the silent motions with the woman, who had seemed so gentle before, but now seemed even more of a mystery. Away from the crowds and having shed blood together he took a moment to examine her strange way of dress, thick arms crossed as if he was trying to figure her out. "Can you speak?" he suddenly asked a bit bluntly. "I thought at first that you did not know our language well, but...it's more than that, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Sat 10 Feb 2018.
Odelia La Faelis
player, 16 posts
al-Wazifi
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 16:57
  • msg #89

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

   At the blonde's indication of the crossbow that she might use it, she shook her head once more.  As if by way of explanation, she took the weapon in one hand, and removed one of the bolts from the quiver and brought it to the weapon, then turned the bolt the opposite way before setting it into the groove. With a short glance in his direction, she shrugged her shoulders before carefully removing the bolt and replacing it back in the quiver and setting the weapon back onto the wagon. From her still-seated position, she brought her hands close together and mimicked the same gesture she had with the bow that he had performed, this time with a wince of pain as she moved too suddenly and aggravated her leg. Once again, she shrugged before putting her hands on her lap.

   When the Horned One had spoken she'd looked away, not wanting to make eye contact. She shook her head and used a hand to draw one of her smaller knives and brought it to her throat, then gently moved it from one side to the other in a simple slicing gesture ... Then, with a small flourish, she replaced the weapon back into its sheath and glanced at the One to see if he understood.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 49 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 18:48
  • msg #90

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

She would seem to have been seriously cut in the throat. And I gather you do not feel comfortable with the crossbow ... because it is complex? or you afraid you'd shoot yourself?

On a different subject, Magnus, do you want a sword over that mace of yours? It certainly worked very well on armor.
Magnus
player, 40 posts
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 19:39
  • msg #91

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

"Ah" Magnus nodded, seemingly content to press no further. He turned next to Gustav. "The sword? No, not really...I can't really wear it in public even if I were. Why? Do you want it?" He asked as he reached back over the side of the wagon and grabbed the scabbard, then offered the weapon to him pommel first.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 50 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 21:18
  • msg #92

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

No, I don't wish to deprive you, but Rondald needs to save his dagger as a back up weapon; if you wish to keep the sword, no issues, I'll give him this one and use my saber.
Rondald Bertrand
player, 52 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 21:43
  • msg #93

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 92):

Rondald called Terri over to him when she had a moment. He kissed her gently, as a way of saying thank you for her help.

"I am concerned for the other woman. She enters combat, but recent experience has shown she is ill equipped. With little armour and no ability to keep away from dangerous foes, she is likely to be badly injured in future confrontations, as she was today. Please go and talk to her to identify her strengths, so that in future we can use her in a way that does not endanger her so.

Similarly, it might be wise for you, my dear, to learn how to use a missile weapon. Either a bow or crossbow, and keep a knife as a backup weapon. I can teach you how to use them.
"
Odelia La Faelis
player, 17 posts
al-Wazifi
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 22:21
  • msg #94

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

   Her brow crinkled slightly as she was trying to consider how to convey the thought that she wanted without making it too difficult. She looked toward the weapon once more and studied it a moment before she re-grasped it and moved the stirrup to the foot of the uninjured leg and rested the weapon on her leg before she gripped the bowstring with both hands. It moved less than a few centimetres before the crinkle on her forehead deepened to the point where something of a strangled sound was heard from underneath the covering on her mouth before she suddenly let go and the bowstring snapped back with an audible 'twang' She breathed a sigh, then unhooked the stirrup from her foot and replaced the weapon where she'd lain it before.

   With the small show of her lack of strength done, she took a moment to wipe something out of one eye and reached into a pouch to retrieve a whetstone. Palming a dagger, she began to work the edge of the blade ...
Rondald Bertrand
player, 53 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 22:26
  • msg #95

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 94):

Rondald nodded that he understood. But something needed to improve. He held up some leathers, looking at her wound.
Magnus
player, 41 posts
Sat 10 Feb 2018
at 22:49
  • msg #96

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Gustav Du Meseries:
No, I don't wish to deprive you, but Rondald needs to save his dagger as a back up weapon; if you wish to keep the sword, no issues, I'll give him this one and use my saber.


"No, no...I insist" Magnus offered the sword again, then shook his head just slightly. "I...can't be seen with this, is what I'm trying so say. he clarified. "I don't know what it's like where you come from, but common folk here can't wear blades, they'll lock you up or worse."

He took his off hand and patted his armored chest. "I'm drawing enough attention as it is, and when we get close enough to town, this hauberk is going back in my bag. Nobody is gonna question you, and if they do, it will probably be because you're with me. I would probably just end up trying to sell it otherwise"
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 51 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Sun 11 Feb 2018
at 00:42
  • msg #97

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Gustav cocked his head at Magnus's words. I am beside you, he would cause you grief will find two to face him.
He pushed the sword toward Rondald.

Crap he thought... why do they do this, he is a strong and able fighter, just what they need, and they produce all these rules.
Odelia La Faelis
player, 18 posts
al-Wazifi
Sun 11 Feb 2018
at 00:54
  • msg #98

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

   She looked at the leathers that the Fisherman held up, and a thin brow rose as part of her mouth under the covering pulled to one side. Considering who'd worn it previously, it looked like it could use at least some sort of cleansing if just to get the man-smell out of it.

   Her lip curled at one end while her nose crinkled. Using a cloth covered hand, she tapped the area next to her. Taking care of the armour might give her something else to do on the journey while she recovered ...
Rondald Bertrand
player, 54 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Sun 11 Feb 2018
at 01:20
  • msg #99

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Magnus (msg # 96):

"On the contrary, Magnus, you mis-understand. This armour is not just to defend against swords. It is the uniform of the Empire's troops, of which you are now one. I hope they do ask questions, because I have documents to back this up, so wear it with pride, with the sword if you so choose. You have earnt it, fighting for the Empire today."

He placed the armour next to Odelia with a smile.
Magnus
player, 43 posts
Sun 11 Feb 2018
at 01:51
  • msg #100

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Magnus smiled warmly, or as warmly as the inhuman creature could manage, but he clearly had his doubts. "Some how I doubt they are gonna see it the same way" he admitted. "But I appreciate it"

He set the sword back in the wagon for now and looked up and down the road. "We about ready? I'm not sure how much further we have to go, but getting there before dark sounds like a good plan to me"
Rondald Bertrand
player, 55 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Sun 11 Feb 2018
at 01:57
  • msg #101

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Magnus (msg # 100):

"Yep. Gustav, you and Odelia might need to hitch a ride. The rest of us need to be extra vigilant to make sure we get there. May as well load up these two crossbows, too. Terri, you good to practice with the bow as we go? My good sir, is the wagon ready to continue?"
Raddek
GM, 532 posts
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 15:55
  • msg #102

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

As Terri finishes the last of her bandaging, she comes to Rondald and returns his kiss, though the gesture seems more automatic than intimate.  ”I know,”  She responds to his remark about Odelia, her hands crossing over her chest as she moves her weight back to one leg in a half slouch.  ”She just ran up there.  I would have been horrified...  I was horrified.” she corrects herself after a moment, a statement that contrasts wildly with her nonchalant attitude to the smears of Odelia’s and Gustav’s drying blood splotched up and down her forearms and stained upon her shirt…  Though Rondald must admit she does look rather peaked…

”Bullshit!”  Rudyard mutters as he picks off the tunic from the chain undershirt the lead villain had been wearing.  As the others in the group look at him, he displays a single hand with a smear of black on it as the other hand holds the tunic.  ”Knew he weren’t a toll man, this ensign’s been painted on recent enough to be still damp, and it’s a rotten job to boot.  Weren’t nothing but a bunch of ruffians looking for a handout when they pointed a few weapons at us!”

After a discussion on the placement of their small bounty, the group loads their new possessions on the cart along with Odelia (who Rudyard ushers into the small driving seat) and Gustav, who has just enough room to lay back in the cart when the rest of the supplies and gear are pushed to the side.  Rondald and Rudyard team together to move the barricades to the side of the road and Rudyard takes a lead rope alongside Sally as the group continues to walk.

Rudyard makes no secret of the fact that the fort is not close and though the going is slow with Magnus wincing in pain as he moves and Sally burdened with extra unplanned weight, the road proves to be smooth enough and no further obstacles present themselves.  They make camp for the night early with the thought that any additional time spent towards rest and recuperation will only pay dividends the next day.  Terri changes the bandages on each of the injured, and only Gustav’s largest injury on his side starts to bleed again in the process which is stemmed quickly and without ado.

The evening withers away to night, the night to dawn and the small party sets off again in an early morning gloom of overcast skies and a brisk and chilly wind.  The party continues on, morning turns into afternoon, afternoon into evening.  Somewhere around midday a pelting of drizzle begins to be caught in the wind that splashes against the skin like stinging ants.  Still, the group moves on, those with food share with the ones without to keep the pace as forward leaning as possible.

For three days the conditions continue the wind brisk with stinging rain which is just enough to soften the path and slow their pace.  Despite the miserable weather, the five keep their spirits up, chatting with each other at interval and telling stories to spend the time.  Even Odelia, who remains silent, has plenty of company, for Terri walks alongside the driver’s seat, telling stories of her time at sea, storms that had caught them by surprise in Keyhole Bay and ports they had to pull anchor and run from in a trice when an overzealous first mate had barely escaped an altercation with city guards.  By the third afternoon, even Gustav feels well enough to walk for a short way, though he has to exert himself to keep up with the group and tires after an hour before returning to the cart.

”That’s enough for today.”  Rudyard grunts as he removes the harness from Sally to let her wander and eat.  ”The Fort is probably another half day but we won’t be able to get there by nightfall and we may as well make up camp a slight bit early to rest up and prepare.  Mayhap Terri could even rustle up some fish you were saying would be in the river?”

”Glad to!”  Terri responds with exuberance, grabbing a few items from her bag and walking briskly southward towards the river Makarem.  The river had serviced both as their source of water and their navigational guide for several days, being the southern border of Megalos and Al Wazif.  The rest of the crew work to set up camp the same as they had for several days, setting up their own equipment quickly as the cart is positioned for the night and the possibility of heavier rain.  After an hour or so Terri returns, a line of two fat trout hung over her shoulder as she beams a smile at the others.  ”Weren’t nothing to it!”  She shouts, anticipating an overwhelming positive response to her work.

It is perhaps an hour before dawn when the first signs of trouble stir.  The wind, which had been stiff for days, begins to howl, slapping violently at the cloth of the three small tents that each of Odelia, Magnus and Rudyard had set for themselves.  Sally brays in the darkness, even the animal’s calm is beginning to crumble.

”We can’t stay here any longer!”  Though Rudyard is shouting at the top of his lungs the sound barely carries the short distance to the rest of the group.  ”We have to move on and try to get to the fort!”  Though the words are disheartening, there is little doubt that anyone would have gotten even a small dose of sleep before the sun had risen.  The small group again gathers together their things and sets off into the howling wind.

The going is torturous. The sound of the wind is piercing and each step feels like rolling a stone up a mountain.  The pace drops significantly though stopping for breaks seems to give them little relief.  Finally, at long last the road curves northward and Rudyard shouts over his shoulder ”We are almost there!”

The fort is not much to look at, a two story stone structure that is perhaps a hundred feet wide with stone battlements at the top and meager fortifications of a ditch and outer wall it still stands as a beacon to the weary travelers.  With little ado, apart from a wave from Rudyard, the group is led through the outer walls and into the fort and on unto their destiny.

OOC:  Congrats all for finishing the intro thread.  Privates are below regarding character points and gear that is added to your sheet.  Despite the awful weather you guys rolled up no further encounters came and I decided not to add extra posts just for the purpose of role play but feel free to respond as much or as little as desired in your last post here.  Please feel free to take questions to the OOC thread, sometimes I forget that no matter how much information about my game is jumbling up in my head the players won't get any of it unless I write it down for them.  For transparency Terri took the large knife, medium bow and arrows, piton and $15, and Rudyard took 15 bolts, $15, and leather armor.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 54 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 17:26
  • msg #103

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Delighted to be in out of the howling wind, Gustav checks on medical help, food and a place to sleep in that order.  Once rested, he'll start practicing a bit with the broadsword to adjust to it's weight. He looks about for what is available within the fort as well. He wouldn't mind trading this cheap broadsword for a better specimen.  He cleans and adjusts the leather armor and sees if there is anyone who can repair it.

He now considers his recent companions as HIS Group and spends time with them and stands by them if there is any sort of problem.


Odelia, Terri, do either of you have any skill in sewing up clothing, I have a nasty rip in both my tunic and my shirt I'd like to get fixed.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:49, Tue 13 Feb 2018.
Odelia La Faelis
player, 19 posts
al-Wazifi
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 20:11
  • msg #104

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

   The journey wasn't easy for the young girl with the wound she had. She helped with her own wound by keeping it clean and changing the bandage on her own - she knew enough about such while living in the City that she had dressed her own wounds in the past. She wasn't a healer, but she knew enough to get by, at least.

   The armour she wore underneath the emerald robe would have to be stitched at some point on the leg if it was going to be useful in the future. There was also the matter of the leather armour left to her. It looked worn and dirty - pretty much as she'd suspected it would in the hands of bandits. It would have to be cleaned when she was able to walk around before she could even think of wearing it. She looked at the mess of leather over her shoulder and tried to think about how to alter it.

    The weather proved to be no friend, being both cold and wet in equal measure for them all as they made the slow journey to the Fort. She tried to keep as warm as she could on the way, but all it did was make her even more miserable. The sooner that they got to where they were going, the better she'd feel.

   They couldn't have gotten to the Fort soon enough and the sight of it made her almost smile underneath the covering she wore. It might have not been much to look at, but it was something to keep the wind and weather away. And that was worth all of the trouble. But with the trapping of civilization, came the usual prejudices and once again, her eyes warily went about, reverting to her old city habits.

   When the blonde had asked about the possibility of sewing, she shook her head slowly as she shrugged her shoulders in an apologetic fashion.
Magnus
player, 45 posts
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 23:18
  • msg #105

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Magnus likewise moved with a constant aching pain that would occasionally stab sharply, visable at times upon his face, whenever his scabbed over laceration would rupture or crack from his movement. He needed rest, and he needed to stay off it, but there was simply no time.

He bore the chill wind with far more stoicism than his wound however, not even seeming to notice it with his thick shaggy coat that shifted this way and that with the fitful gusts. That being said he was relieved when the fort, humble as it was, came into view.

Trudging up the last hill was torturous at times, but finally as they crossed the threshold he set down his bag and was able to rest for a moment, carefully lowering himself down onto a low wall to inspect his bandages.

After the excitement of their arrival began to settle he looked to more practical tasks, he could sew, not well by any means, but enough to stitch two pieces of cloth together and offered to mend Gustav's tunic if he could come up with a needle and thread. For his own errands he asked if any among them would be willing to come with him to whatever passed for an armorer, acting as an ambassador of sorts in his business to show that he was legitimate. It was rare to have men or women willing to barter on his behalf after all.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 55 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 23:21
  • msg #106

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Gustav is quite willing to go with Magnus, as he has plans to go to the same place(s) ... and will look for a needle and thread as well. Likely to be needed in the future as well.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 56 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 23:24
  • msg #107

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 104):

Would you like me to get your armor cleaned and repaired when I get mine done?
Odelia La Faelis
player, 20 posts
al-Wazifi
Tue 13 Feb 2018
at 23:47
  • msg #108

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

Gustav Du Meseries:
In reply to Odelia La Faelis (msg # 104):

Would you like me to get your armor cleaned and repaired when I get mine done?


   She nodded with what looked to be the presence of a smile behind the covering she wore.
Gustav Du Meseries
player, 57 posts
Temperamental and Precise
Callous except to women
Wed 14 Feb 2018
at 02:11
  • msg #109

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

OK, No Problems, I'll get both fixed.




Gustav does as much as he can to clean and fix the armor, then takes both sets to an armourer (assuming he can find one)...
Rondald Bertrand
player, 57 posts
Crossbowman
Travels with wife
Thu 15 Feb 2018
at 10:38
  • msg #110

Re: The Start of a New Adventure

In reply to Gustav Du Meseries (msg # 109):

Rondald made the best of the horrible weather. He was used to the wind, but the mud was not something he relished. Supporting Terri as much as he could, he practices hunting, bow use and knife use, as well as practicing unarmed combat with whoever would tackle him. Cleaning and maintaining his equipment in the mud was taxing, but he knew it had to be done nonetheless.

The end of the trip back brought the welcome sight of the fort into view, and he visibly relaxed as he approached, and even more so as they entered. Bidding the merchant good day, hHe sought a hot wash for first his wife, and then himself after their arrival, and then all their clothes were in need of cleaning. They could keep each other warm while the linen dried, and only the next day would he see what he could find in terms of bodkin or willowleaf bolts. It was not as if he could afford anything else, but all the rest of the gear went to group members who were less well equipped. He also offered to accompany Magnus in his search for various items, and made sure the Keep commander was informed as to the alignment of the Minotaur. He also suggested that various members see what could be found in the way of shields...
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