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Chapter 4: Eastwatch.

Posted by GMFor group 0
GM
GM, 1168 posts
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 17:15
  • msg #1

Chapter 4

Without further delay, you push on toward Eastwatch.

It is late afternoon when you spy the gates: a pair of proper stone towers rising up above the tops of the trees to the North.  The towers themselves are no more than three stories, but the town is set on a natural hill where the land rises to meet the mountains as they dip down.

The path is well-worn enough, but steep, at times 45-degrees, making progress exhausting.

A high stone wall extends from the gatehouse in either direction.  To your right it seems to almost fade into the rock of the mountains, to the left it meets another tower and then turns northward.

Looking to the East (your right) you can see steppes in the mountain rock where small patches of farmable land have been hoed out.  At this distance you can barely make out the grape plants.

A few people mill about the gatehouses, mostly children looking to play in the woods, but for the most part this side of the walled town is quiet.

A pair of guards stand at easy attention to either side of the open gates.  They are armed with halberd and long knife.

Flying over the towers is the flag of Eastwatch, a compass bloodied to the east.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1400 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 19:30
  • msg #2

Chapter 4

In reply to GM (msg # 1):

Titus smiles as he walks towards them.  Turns his back and walks backwards speaking to his troupe.

Finally!!  Civilization... or a reasonable facsimile.


He flashes his best grin as he turns back to the guards.  He matches his personality to theirs asking where he can find in order of importance food, a place to sleep, an audience and lots of gossip.

He winks at one of the guards.

Have I got some new tales for you... all true!

He says holding his hand to the sky in the 'I swear to God' configuration.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:33, Thu 06 Oct 2016.
GM
GM, 1169 posts
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 19:57
  • msg #3

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 2):

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 2):

The guards tense reflexively as you approach, but as soon as Titus speaks they relax.

"'elcome" one of them mutters with a curt nod.

"All's there is ta eat an the audience you'll have soon 'nuff," the other rasps in a terribly unmelodic voice.  "Folk herein' plannig 'fer the nuptual feast an all.  Get in an you'll see."

They allow you to pass through the gatehouse, which seems to be much bigger and stouter than it has any right to be. 


Given how far you are from "civilization", EastWatch is surprisingly cosmopolitan.

Once inside you can see the extent of the walls that wrap around the town to the South, West and North.  The East is rock and cultivated steppe.  The ruins of a massive gatehouse are mixed in with piles of boulders the size of houses, indeed blocking the gap in the mountains you can see.

The main road runs straight through the town and exits via another gatehouse to the north.  The western wall has no gatehouse.

From this main street, numerous alleys branch off at random between rows of wattle and daub houses, some two stories tall, most only one.  They are rectangular in shape with pitched roofs, mimicking the style of the larger cities of the Kingdom.

Just north of the collapsed eastern gate is a pair of large tower homes connected at the top by a long hanging bridge.  Based on the banners you see flying, you presume this to be the keep or residence of the Lord of Eastwatch.

The town is busy enough with the normal goings on you'd expect, smiths, farmers, merchants, a cobbler, a few taverns, and a large number of people hauling grapes, barrels or materials for making barrels.

On top of all the usual business, there is an additional layer of activity.  Streams of people are making their way to the pair of tower homes, carrying mostly food, flowers what appear to be yet more banners and cloth.

You notice too many shops have yellow streamer awnings blowing gently in the wind above their doors and fresh flowers in their windows.

One of the larger buildings, set just off to one side of the southern gate you passed through, has the universal symbol of welcome hanging above its door: the tankard.
Deev
NPC, 46 posts
Nervous street rat
Facechanger
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 19:58
  • msg #4

Chapter 4

In reply to GM (msg # 3):

"Now THIS is more like it!" Deev relaxes with a sigh.
Enrei Omal'i
player, 862 posts
Like a natural disaster
with the best intentions.
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 20:42
  • msg #5

Chapter 4

"I have never eaten a nuptual before.  What does it taste like?" Enrei asks the company at large as they follow Titus into the town.
Brennan Otthild
player, 983 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Thu 6 Oct 2016
at 20:47
  • msg #6

Chapter 4

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 5):

If a true lord resides here, we must decide whether we are or are not Lord Fastbender and his retinue immediately. If yes, we must announce ourselves and demand appropriate patronage worthy of our station. We will not be believed if we do not. Or we could lay low. Preferences?
Titus Blackwell
player, 1402 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Fri 7 Oct 2016
at 14:50
  • msg #7

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 6):

Titus goes slack jawed for a brief moment as the idea washes over him.  His languid smile would put a cat to shame.

Playing Fastbender is risky, and may cost us some of our coin, unless we can get free lodging.  Also we would be expected to bring a wedding gift.  Though as far as narrative goes he has been in the shadows long enough.  I'm sure a good portion of the people have heard of him.  Now they need to see him.

I say we go for it.

Brennan Otthild
player, 985 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Thu 13 Oct 2016
at 03:10
  • msg #8

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 7):

I'm willing to go along with the ruse, but you need to understand that should we be discovered, there will be real consequences here. We shall need to flee vigorously, and we may even be pursued. It would be the end of our tale, as the story of a false Fastbender will quickly weave its way around the cities.

Are you willing to take that chance?


He clears his throat.

I'm personally indifferent, as we can make it to Losthelm regardless. But I know how much you have invested into this and I'd hate to see it go up in smoke just as the story's hooks are beginning to bite.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Thu 13 Oct 2016.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1405 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Thu 13 Oct 2016
at 15:32
  • msg #9

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 8):

Titus, more resolved then ever:

At some point you have to take the plunge.  I have been playing courtiers, princelings and kings my whole life.
GM
GM, 1172 posts
Thu 13 Oct 2016
at 16:40
  • msg #10

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 9):

Whichever way you decide to play it, the townsfolk do certainly take notice of you (especially Enrei).

You get a number of cheery "g'day" and nods.
Enrei Omal'i
player, 864 posts
Like a natural disaster
with the best intentions.
Thu 13 Oct 2016
at 17:01
  • msg #11

Chapter 4

Enrei, knowing he is not Lord Fastbender nor a retainer thereof, lets Titus and Brennan debate the benefits of performing a charade in the local court. He gives a friendly wave to anyone who stares at him long enough and attempts to return any "g'day" he hears, as the local accent and his own clash over the small word.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1406 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Thu 13 Oct 2016
at 17:26
  • msg #12

Chapter 4

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 11):

Titus remains fairly true to himself connecting with the people, smiling broadly.  Every bit a lord of the people still in his traveling attire.

He inquires around for an inn where they can wash up and get a hot meal and regroup.  All the while corralling Enrei and stopping him from getting out of hand.


He confers with Brennan briefly.

So what your telling me is no hot bath and time to scrub up? 
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Thu 13 Oct 2016.
Brennan Otthild
player, 986 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 04:44
  • msg #13

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 12):

It's both risky and unnecessary. As much as I might enjoy attending a noble wedding, I would prefer to keep a low profile here until our swift departure to Losthelm. Unless you think we might be able to gain something from it, I believe we should simply be Brennan's band of mercenaries for this visit.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1407 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 12:27
  • msg #14

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 13):

Titus grits his teeth.

Unnecessary?!  We are at a critical point in the tale.  If Fastbender remains in the shadows then he is at risk of being relegated to myth only.  His emissaries have been seen in a small town, the kind of story that everybody and their mother has about him now.  It is time for indisputable proof.  It is our first and best opportunity to get him into contact with the nobility.  The only thing that can go wrong is the well intentioned natural disaster over there.

We could get him out of the city, disavow all knowledge of him, lock him in a room in the palace.  There is no shortage of ways to handle him.  The nobility will love us, and I have the perfect gift that won't cost us a penny.

We do this now, or risk starting over.


/ooc when is the wedding /ooc
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Mon 17 Oct 2016.
Brennan Otthild
player, 987 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 14:55
  • msg #15

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 14):

But what do we gain, Titus? How does this advance our cause?

He smiles slightly.

I'm not asking because I am opposed, necessarily. I am asking because the answer is important.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1408 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 15:10
  • msg #16

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 15):

Titus pulls Brennan into an alleyway

Enrei, please guard this alleyway for us.  I don't want anyone to know we are here...yet.


he retreats a few steps. He speaks quietly and passionately

Several reasons. First and foremost you said it yourself we are thin on allies.  We make an impression at this wedding and we can have nobility for miles willing to help us.

Next, we need more money to do what we want and need to do... tack, food, horses to get to the pass.  Now we can continue to risk our neck for.... what did we get in the town 12 Suns?  OR.... we can go for a big score with the nobility.  Hell they might even lend us some of their horses.

Finally the Fastbender narrative has been a long term play from the start.  We haven't yet had to sacrifice for it.  At this point the story is calling for this.  Lord Fastbender and his men are saving villages around the countryside but couldn't be bothered to make an appearance at a wedding a few towns over?  Well fuck him then. This could hurt his credibility, and in future we will need that character to open the doors to research libraries and friends far and wide.

Are these good enough reasons?

Enrei Omal'i
player, 865 posts
Like a natural disaster
with the best intentions.
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 17:15
  • msg #17

Chapter 4

Enrei dutifully stands guard at the end of the alley.  He does hus best to keep anyone's attention away from titus and Vrennan, but seeing as he draws a fair amount of attention himself, he sees fit to shoo the occasional onlooker sternly, "You do not need to know about lord Fastbender being here," he informs anyone not convinced by a large Chal'i waving dismissively.
Brennan Otthild
player, 988 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 19:45
  • msg #18

Chapter 4

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 17):

Brennan begins to reply, thinks better of it, and chews the inside of his cheek for a moment.

Very well, he says at last. We can advance the cause of Lord Fastbender and my... ministry... at the same time. But if things go to Hell here, we're keeping a low profile until we reach Losthelm.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1410 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Mon 17 Oct 2016
at 20:16
  • msg #19

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 18):

Titus sticks out his hand thinking

If things go to hell... and we survive it... the Fastbender issue may be moot anyway.


Out loud he confidently states

Deal.  I'll even sweeten the pot and see if I can come up for some... palatable stories for your ministry and I can start injecting those into the bloodstream.

After Brennan shakes it.

How do we deal with him?

He nods over at Enrei.
Brennan Otthild
player, 989 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Tue 18 Oct 2016
at 16:22
  • msg #20

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 19):

He grins, following Titus's gaze.

Surely you don't mean to ask about Enrei, Lord Fastbender's famous Challian bodyguard? Known for his ability to lift an ox, and for single-handedly ending the Seige of Felgrim's Cove? What he lacks in linguistics he makes up for with heart and vigor. That's what I've heard, anyway...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Tue 18 Oct 2016.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1411 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Tue 18 Oct 2016
at 19:05
  • msg #21

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 20):

He's not Norrish...  Is he?

OK but you know that he is honest to a fault and in a liar's game that is a severe handicap.  This means he has to believe what is happening.


He brightens

Don't suppose you know a spell that can render him mute?!  Do you?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:06, Tue 18 Oct 2016.
Brennan Otthild
player, 991 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Tue 18 Oct 2016
at 19:14
  • msg #22

Chapter 4

In reply to Titus Blackwell (msg # 21):

Brennan shakes his head.

Somehow I think his honesty would shine through despite any impairment we might inflict upon him. Besides... I find the trait rather endearing, if frustratingly ill timed.

If you don't think being a bodyguard would suit him, we could of course just stick to the truth for him -- that he is one of my hired mercenaries who works for a stipend and expects to be tipped for a job well done.
Brennan Otthild
player, 992 posts
Inquisitive "Inquisitor"
Suffixes Are Relative
Wed 19 Oct 2016
at 14:42
  • msg #23

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 22):

Brennan waits a beat before continuing.

Mind you, I'm not saying I don't have such a spell. I just don't think it would help.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1413 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Wed 19 Oct 2016
at 15:25
  • msg #24

Chapter 4

In reply to Brennan Otthild (msg # 23):

Your lying.  I've got to work on your acting skills.

He heaves a heavy sigh.

Enrei get over here!

He calls out.  He then gives a hangdog look to Brennan.

I hope you know what your doing.  So let's stay 'honest' shall we?
Enrei Omal'i
player, 867 posts
Like a natural disaster
with the best intentions.
Wed 19 Oct 2016
at 15:30
  • msg #25

Chapter 4

Enrei looks over his shoulder, "It will be harder to guard from inside," he informs Titus but, when no permission to remain put if given, he walks up to the pair.  His posture is still vaguely intimidating as he attempts to remain on defense just next to them.
Titus Blackwell
player, 1414 posts
The Emperor has
new clothes.
Wed 19 Oct 2016
at 15:37
  • msg #26

Chapter 4

In reply to Enrei Omal'i (msg # 25):

Are you familiar with the story of Lord Dunbarring?  The lord who disguised himself to hide from assassins, traveling among the peasantry, and ended up marrying a common woman he met while undercover?


He waits for Enrei's nod before continuing

I am much like Lord Dunbarring.  There are bad people and bad spirits that want to kill me, so it is important to hide who I truly am.

Does this make sense to you?

Enrei Omal'i
player, 868 posts
Like a natural disaster
with the best intentions.
Wed 19 Oct 2016
at 15:43
  • msg #27

Chapter 4

Enrei fails to nod at Titus's dinitial description of lord Dunbarring, not being intimately familiar with many stories that don't involve heroes slaying monsters and demons, or at least the exploita of the first men. "You are friends with this Dun Barring?" he ventures.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Wed 19 Oct 2016.
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