The home and business of Oleg and Svetlana Leverton - the trading post buy and sells most things -  although it doesn't have a great stock and may need to send back to Restov for an item.  It also does duty as an Inn, providing accommodation, simple meals and bottles of ale or cider.

One of the corner towers, containing a single room 20' high, is used as accommodation for the local guard.  Three footmen and their officer, Keston Garess.

A second tower, with ground and upper rooms - provides accommodation for Henry on the upper floor, while Borric, Rikka and Brother Bart share the ground floor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Sat 10 Sept 2016.

You can see one of Keston’s men up on a watch tower, reporting on your progress as you approach Oleg’s.  Zack, and a stranger, are at the coral - ready to take horses and help get then settled after their long week of work carrying you guys around.  There are more horses that you would have expected in there as well.  One in particular seems bigger and more powerful than the others with a beautifully brushed coat, tail and mane.

Inside the outpost, even though it is close to dinner time, the yard appears to be full of people waiting to see you arrive.  Henry  sits on one of the tables with his feet on the bench, and signals for you to come forward and make your reports.  He speaks quietly to a well dress newcomer that stands to one side.  He is a striking man, middle aged but tall and well-built still, with an expensive looking sword at his side.

Bai was happy to be back to the outpost, a roof over her head would likely do her some good in relieving her of the soreness she'd gotten sleeping on the ground and riding as much as she had these last few days. She'd done her best not to complain about it, but she couldn't understand how everyone else seemed fine with it, day after day. An outcome of the lottery of birth she supposed. As the group got closer and closer to the outpost Bai's eyes seemed to get wider and wider as she saw how many people had shown up, the more people, the more chance for some new stories after all.

Once she'd given control of her mount over to Zack and the stranger, Bai made her way to where Henry and the other man where situated. She muttered to herself and patted down her clothes to make herself a bit more presentable and spoke up. "Mr. de la Maistre, Sir." She gave them both a polite nod, making sure to call Henry by a more formal title until she knew better who the other man was, though he did get a warmer smile than the stranger. "I'm here to report on the findings of our survey." She pulled out her journal and laid it on the table next to Henry, showing them the mapping they'd done. As she spoke she took her time to give a brief overview of each day, accentuating the notable events such as the trapper and his traps, the fey, the temple, the bandits, and so on. She took heed to make sure that each of her companions were noted for their times where they stepped up and excelled in his service, taking care to leave out the disagreements they'd had, the missed shots, and the general sourness that had shown up as the days pressed on. Finally once she'd finished the tale of their expedition, and shown each of the maps as she did, she flipped to the last page and outlined the inventory of what they'd brought back. The goods taken from the bandits as well as the bandits themselves.

"I feel that it would be imperative that we move to establish some amount of diplomatic relationships with the fey through these contacts that we've gained. In so far as the banditry of the area is concerned, it seems we have a mutual goal, and there could be a great deal more we could learn from them. Though, of course I will leave it to your discretion on what path is taken next."

Bai Kao rolled 19 using 1d20+11.  Diplomacy.

Cyrus rode into Oleg's and was in awe of the large, well groomed horse. Surely its rider was of some import. He handed the reigns of Shadow to Zack and retrieved his gear. Rather than stowing it in the watch tower that had served as his bunk, he carried his saddlebags over to the tables. He watched Bai address Henry and begin to review her notes.

He was intrigued by the newcomer's stature and sword, and boldly approached him saying, "I am Cyrus Ondari, one of the deputy marshall's appointed by Marshall de la Maistre to explore this land. That is an impressive blade you carry!" Cyrus's facial expression gives away his eagerness as he continues, "Am I right in assuming the noble steed in the corral yours as well?"

The bit of food did Pipre well and she washed it down with a swallow or two of herbal wine that helped soothe muscles or, at least, soothe the reception of their complaints. During the meal she told Yolen, and any of the other bandits who would listen, what sort of situation they should expect upon arrival at their destination. The choice they would face and the company they would be in.

When the other group shewed up Pipre gave a smile and said her greetings while gently explaining that they had not made camp or had rest that night before.

As everyone arrived at Oleg's she was happy to take a moment to use a rag and some water to wash her legs. Walking through trackless places had made her shins sticky and dirt had caked on so the simple act of cleaning that off invigorated her quite a bit. Pipre made her way to the central meeting area as Bai was finishing her report and Cyrus was introducing himself to the stranger.

Pipre didn't have any similar business and the things she wondered about could wait. Small things such as if there were any interesting ingredients gathered in the interim and if the shipment had arrived. Those things could wait. For now she sat down with a freshly rolled cigarette, a wedge of smoky cheese, and a bottle of warm ale.

Zorah took her animals to the stable and saw the magnificent horse.  "Beautiful."  She muttered before apologizing to Puck.  "You're much better Puck."  The horse wandered into the fenced in area.  "I didn't mean anything by it."  Zorah called after Puck.

She turned to Zack.  "How have you been Zack?"

Out by the corral horses are turned loose and given their head “Evening Sir.  Good evening Ma’am.  Evening Zorah, I’ve been good, thanks.” Zach responds as each of the horses are left in his care.  The well-groomed horse is clearly King of the Coral though.  Bigger and stronger than the other animals, it looks like he is checking them out as they are released into the pen.  Vik’s horse gets a slightly longer look, although the magnificent beast doesn’t make any move towards the animal.


Bai lists the achievements of her group and explaining what happened at the various points on the map, and describing how well each of her team have done.  The three-way fight between the bandits and the Fey seem to catch the attention of the attention of both Henry and his guest, although it is Henry who speaks.

”There are Fey in the forest, then.  We weren’t sure whether that was just a rumour.  And they defend themselves capably.  You took prisoners from the Bandits that the Fey left alive, but one escaped. However, the Fey let you live and agreed to talk with you again.  Excellent.  Well done, Bai.  Well done all of you.  Bai, you will lead our expedition down there shortly.  Anything else any of you would like to add?” he says addressing the rest of that group.

”Keston?  Take these prisoners around the back of the stables, and make sure they have something to eat and drink.  I will deal with them later.” And Keston, along with one of his men, move the bandits are out of sight.  A few moments later Keston reappears - although the man stays behind as a guard.

As Cyrus speaks the newcomer turns politely, but only responds briefly.  ”Good evening Cyrus.  Yes, Fleetheart serves as my mount.” but then Pipre catches his eye, and a fixed look crosses his face.  Perhaps the way she dresses makes her look more like a bandit than a deputy marshal attention, although it might just be the skimpiness of her clothes or even the smoke from her cigarette – who knows.  But then, he turns back to the map in front of Henry and points briefly at something on it.

”And your group?  How did you fare?” he addresses the question generally towards those of you who explored and mapped the hills.

Valoria found it strange to be so happy to be at Oleg's once more. It was a meager way of living compared to how she had grown up. Still this place was kinda like a home...for now and she was glad to be back. Having Zack take her horse, Valoria carried her backpack with her.

Valoria waited as Cyrus made small talk with the newcomer and by the look of him, he seemed to be of noble birth. Still she waited her turn to speak after Bai gave her report. Once asked about how the group fared, Valoria stepped forward. Taking out the sketchbook she had detailed the map, Valoria place it before Henry. She gave him a detailed explanation of each day of travel.

“My lord, Henry de la Maistre, we have done very well. The small wooden fort by the river would make an excellent secondary base. I would suggest placing a very small garrison there just so it is not retaken by bandits. Also...” Valoria then placed The Taldan Expansion before Henry. “The book claims that there are metal deposits worth mining between the hilly area and the forest. Something prehaps to keep an eye out for, my lord.” Valoria gave a small bow of her head and waited for his response.


OOC: 00:04, Today: Valoria der lin Lebeda rolled 16 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge (Nobility). On the new guy. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:08, Thu 29 Sept 2016.

Zorah stores her things and returns to the stables where she watches the impressive horse for a bit longer.  Provided it does not show aggression towards Puck or Murdock Zorah attempts to get a closer look at the animal.

08:59, Today: Zorah rolled 22 using 1d20+14.  handle animal.
08:59, Today: Zorah rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  wild empathy.
I didn't know which would be more applicable so I rolled both.

Andalon listened quietly as Valoria reported what they had found. The hermit Bokken on the plain to the east, the palisaded fort by the river, the old ferry rope across the river, the cave in the hills where the monk/hermit Quern had been slain by gargoyles and the lookout hill marked by a lightning-struck oak tree. Only when she was finished did he add a note of caution.

"I would advise returning to that fort in strength, my lord, at least at first. I am not convinced we will find it unoccupied when we return. It appeared abandoned when we arrived and we had to scale the wall to enter, true enough. There was only the one half-orc there and he signed his own death warrant by attacking us from ambush instead of calling out to us as we explored the place. But I suspect there may be others who normally dwell there, including a wizard a bit more advanced in that art than any of us are.

"We still have about half of our allotted area to explore and we could include a return visit to the fort to confirm whether it is still unoccupied," he suggested.

Henry listens to Valoria’s report, and then Andalon’s additional comments thoughtfully.  ”I think the priest is right, Ferdinand.” he comments to the Knight, ”Although I think I shall question the prisoners before I make a final decision on that.   Keston, Bart -  please make sure the prisoners are awake and able to answer my questions.  I will call when I want them.”

As the two leave, he turns his attention back to the rest of you.  ”This is Sir Ferdinand Ledkno, who has come to collect a report for the First Swordlord. Apparently the council are concerned about this area and intend to settle it.  Sir Ferdinand informs me that if we resolve the bandit problem, I might expect to be given another charter to settle the area.  Those of you who decide to stay on and help me complete this new task, will be richly rewarded with land and titles, if you so choose.  Although we would have to carve those new estates out for ourselves.  There is no need to make decisions about that yet.  As yet, there is no certainty of any new charter or rewards,  Nor, even, that it is something that we can achieve with the resources to hand.” and he holds his hand up to forestall and discussion or declarations yet. 

”But for now, is there anything you can tell me about these prisoners before I question them?”

Sir Ferdinand nods in approval, but stands passively with a slight smile upon his face.

Percy is pleased enough to leave the report to his comrades in arms and to take a seat by the fire where he can shrug off the borrowed armour he's had on his back these past couple of days and relax in comfort.

Stretching out his legs, the young gentleman gives a sigh of pleasure, untroubled for the moment at the thought that they'll soon be heading back out into the wilds, since with the promise of another charter there now seems even greater urgency to deal with the 'bandit problem'.

As to lands and titles ... Percy came on this expedition more to get away from the angry husband of, a chance encounter shall we say, than out of any urge to shower himself with riches ... though he dares say his mother would be pleased should land and titles come his way.  Something to think about, perhaps.  Just not now ...

"I know that two of the bandits, George and Yolen, were part of a smaller, less bloodthirsty band before the Stag Lord consolidated everything. Detak, the half-orc, was pretty upset with us since they forced us to take down his brother and he didn't come voluntarily. Don't know much about Spike but he was compliant," explained Pipre, in her usual smoky, fraying timbre. She was somewhat distracted by Ferdinand's frequent glances in her direction.

Cyrus smiled at the words of cautious optimism Henry spoke of carving out their own lands and titles but could tell now was not the time to discuss his desired outpost. When Piper mentioned that two of the bandits were half-orcs, he saw a flash of an image of the attacker in the tunnels below the fort. He had been a half-orc and Antlion had been convinced he had at least a few other friends who must have called the outpost home.

He spoke up saying, "It could be nothing more than a coincidence but it might be worth finding out if this Detak and his brother had a base of operations in the area our group explored. It wouldn't solve the riddle of the spellbook but it would explain at least 2 of the assailants partners in crime."

"That would be something to find out, especially since reconnaissance of the camp on the river we cleared previously shewd there was also a mysterious old woman. It could be that the forces at the fort you all found were called down by Kressle to retake the river encampment, since it is crucial to the path towards the Stag Lord. Without that ford one would have to risk a crossing in strong current or make a detour through fey lands."

I think I got this right, lol.

Keeping more to herself, and having pulled her cloak well over her features, the woman keeps more to the back of the others, seeking only a place to rest her back and close her weary eyes. On the walk from the stables, she has pulled her gloves on tightly, having retrieved a fresh pair from her bag and now stood listening to the discussion of titles and lands with about as much interest as a fish would have for land as opposed to water. Such things would do her little good and would only invite more attention to a woman who does her best to keep low-key.

"A woman in red." Aris'ta recalls allowed, suddenly. "With at least enough assurance in her safety, or the skill in her companions, as to wear something so likely to stand out among such dull scenery." She observes, her voice sounding tired.

Andalon quietly asks Lolli to fetch the items of woman's clothing that were found at the fort; a cloak, a robe and a brocade gown, a box containing a wig and a vial of perfume, a fine dagger in a scabbard on a silk belt, a silver and amber bracelet and matching necklace.

Then he asks Aris'ta, Bai, Pipre, Zorah or Rook to explain a bit more about their mysterious woman in red.

"Did you actually see this woman in red at some stage, or hear about her from someone?" he asks. "I wonder whether your half-orc prisoner, Detak, will recognise the woman's clothing we found at the fort with the spellbooks? Perhaps he could tell us something about the wizardess, if it is the same person.

"You said the half-orc had a brother who was killed in the fight against you? If he is indeed from the fort I wonder whether the rapier-wielding half-orc we killed was also a relative or friend of his?"

Zorah leaves Puck and Murdock to 'play nice' with their new horse friend.  He didn't seem likely to play , but Zorah was under delusions he might warm up to the others given time.

The druid reaches the discussion just as the red cloaked woman is mentioned.  "I saw the woman."  She speaks up.  "Well, Wilson saw her technically."  Zorah describes the woman in as much detail as she can to the others.

Cyrus spoke up again, "Will showing the brothers gear that they knew was being guarded by their friend or brother inspire trust? I would be less likely to speak if you showed me Valoria's gown and books or your shield. I worry we if we give them too much information they will reveal less."

"That is certainly a possibility," Andalon agreed. "We can keep those clothes out of sight unless needed. Henry needs as much information as we can give him so he knows what questions to ask the prisoners to fill in the bits that we don't know yet and confirm whether our guesses are correct or not. But from what has been said about the half-orc so far I don't hold out much hope of him becoming a loyal and trustworthy ally in future."

Valoria raised a hand to Lolli if she came forward, intent on keeping the grown and jewelry in her backpack. "No need to get those items out." Valoria then looked at Henry and added her opinion to the matter. "If there is a wizard, who is working with the bandits, he or she is only slightly stronger than I. From a brief glance at the spellbook in question, I would also say that the original owner was an illusionist." She than takes out the captured spellbook and lays it on the table so Henry can take a look at it. "No spellbook, no spells is the common rule of thumb for wizards. Although, with your permission I would like to study this tome further, I would just need a small loan for some supplies. It would greatly give me some insight into this wizard....also, there is some...personal news to to be announced after business has been concluded, my lord.

Percy smiles fondly at the contrast between Bai's exact and orderly report and the more random recollections of his own companions, though he's happy enough that Valoria and Andalon have missed nothing of import.  Likewise he leaves the discussion as to what to tell or not tell the prisoner in order to extract a tale of truth to those who have more experience of such things.

He does not, however miss Ferdinand's glances at Pipre, though he is unsure whether the young woman is discomfited or amused by the knight's attentions, though if the former, it is incumbent upon a gentleman such as himself to intervene, if subtly, so as not to embarrass either party.

With a groan, Percy straightens, pulling his legs back under him as he sits up, bestowing a broad grin upon Pipre.

"Yet again, you seem to have proved most convincing," he compliments her, "Henry's guardhouse will be full of all manner of bewildered miscreants if you keep this up !"

"Alas, the one rascal we did meet was so rude as to not even give us chance to implore him to mend his ways, preferring to throw his life away rather than listen to reasonable entreaties !"

Waving off Andalon's questions to those more informed then herself, she goes back to keeping her eyes as alert on those about her, a feat she is finding it increasingly hard to do. A gloved hand rises to cover a yawn as she listens to others interject with thoughts here and there. The newcomer is of no interest to her, though she admits somewhat begrudgingly that he peeks her interest and isn't unpleasing to look at. Like most men she encounters, his eyes seem drawn to more pronounced features of the fairer sex and that is something she does not mind.

At Percy's interjections, she pauses a short glance his way. He's a man she recalls seeing, but has no memory of ever speaking to. It isn't that surprising really, since she is more mindful to keep to herself then to employ the company of others, though beyond the dark shadows of her hood, she lofts a brow of comical interest, before snorting and shaking her head.

Perhaps she had fallen asleep and missed it. Did humans really act this way? Jordaen had been as much a recluse as herself, but he had spoken of gatherings being... a sigh left her and she closed her eyes. Rest, it seemed, was not for the weary just yet.

Both Henry and Ferdinand listen to the comments that pass back and forth between members of the two groups, muttering to each other occasionally, before Henry sums the position up.  ”So we think there is a female wizard of some sort, perhaps linked with half-orcs and that this potentially links the bandit camp by the ford to the stockade structure that you found.  However, the wizard isn’t much more skilled than Valoria, while the half-orcs you have met so far have proved to be a threat, but have all been beaten.”

After clearing a space in front of him, Henry rests his sword across his knees and calls for the prisoners to be brought forward.  They are brought forward, hands bound in front of them – and all capable of walking.  Clearly Brother Bart has used just enough healing to get George and the half-orc conscious.  As they come forwards Yolen, George and the bandit walk quietly.  Yolen and Spike look nervous, while George seems more bemused than anything.

The half-orc, on the other hand, has a guard on each side holding onto his elbows.  While not really struggling he is pushing and jostling his guards and swearing at them in both common and Orcish.  Suddenly he sees Bai in the surrounding group, pulls away from his guards and lunges at her. His hands, still tied in front of him, grab for her throat.  ”You killed my brother …” he yells.

[Language unknown: "E andwittio sanfi unnonc beate eiaion! Os ch itwil tothac samein orewerred? Alleol is mo tic it ou reshe hou en ss ecstiler i ol thi taosno is ee Po Ti? Oulbletin! Ameameshe!"] Pipre places herself between the half-orc and Bai and lashes out, screaming at the half-orc. As usual, when excited and speaking loudly, her smoky voice turns shrill and powerful. [Language unknown: "Ble ess ard ecart lasiom es thpr t somsa lane ainonsome liest ivlin se str ear o erastaent roand."] Which sounds pretty intense in the guttural language she speaks in.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:35, Sun 02 Oct 2016.

Andalon frowns at the fact the half-orc was able to lunge out of the guards' grasp so easily. Pipre's words mean nothing to him but he studies the half-orc intently as others (presumably) step in to restrain the half-orc again.

Cyrus doesn't waste any time with words as he sees the half orc straining to attack Bai. He takes a quick step and then slams the half orc squarely in the chest with his heavy spiked shield. "So much for trusting this one!"

Percy's chivalrous attempts to provide a distraction are completely overshadowed and entirely bested by the efforts of the Half-Orc prisoner, but as a gentleman he comes immediately to his feet as Pipre rises to place herself protectively before Bai.

"Reasonable threats," he mutters to himself, laconically.  "Perhaps that's where we went wrong ..."

"He's ... rather upset about his brother's death," the young gentleman calls out, attempting to provide clarification so as to avoid unnecessary unpleasantness.  "Pipre is ... attempting to calm him by reminding him of his current predicament."

[Language unknown: "I latthuati ughiouame tiooutine verkorbutles ss ing il p ing intari wi hasndeore i e ilstpo ivmipa lateauear praiie a ich for icaac !"] Percy entreats the prisoner.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

The woman widens her eyes, but she makes no move to offer assistance. Not out of lack of desire to, but in that there seems no real need. Others who are closer are as quick as she and she doubts that it will escalate much further than this.

She feels only a moments pain for the man, knowing the loss of family. Even though she understands the risk the brother took with his own life, as they were entreated to stop,  she still knows the pain of that loss is intense. The situation grows tiring, it's almost too played out. Having lost interest, she closes her eyes once more and listens, not understanding most of the words, but still getting the meaning.

Valoria watched the scene with with much interest. She knew that with so many guards, that Bai was in no real harm. The speaking in a tongue not yet familiar to her was also of  interest. Valoria whispered the word of a spell as Pipre began talking. “Scire.” Orc was not a common language known to the upper class and now was a key time to learn some more words. As she listened, Valoria moved over to the drow that stood off to the distance. She looked at the dark elf with curiosity for a few seconds before turning her head back to watch what was about to happen.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

Bai jumps back as the half-orc lunged at her, her hands instinctively going for her weapon. Luckily for her the half-orc didn't seem to make it to her before people managed to get between her and her assailant. She did her best to compose her thoughts while Pipre spoke to him, but the translation she received from Percy ended that attempt.

"You're mad that I killed your brother in self defense?!" The small woman shouted incredulously. Her usual calm clearly starting to disappear. "I approached you and your stupid damned brother peacefully and you shot me in the arm with a damned arrow! I wasn't even holding a weapon and you shot me! I had right to defend myself then and there, but did I? No, we tried again to explain matters and stop bloodshed. AND YOUR STUPID ASS FIRED ON US AGAIN! So yes, I killed your stupid stupid brother, because if I hadn't you idiots would have killed me and my companions." The woman's tone went from frustration, to anger, and finally to the sort of condescension saved for an especially ignorant youth.

Percy's gaze flits worriedly between Bai and the prisoner, not entirely sure which of the two needs to be calmed the most.

"I don't think he sees it that way," despite the difference in the sizes of the two, the young gentleman quickly decides that his efforts are best directed towards the slender young woman.  "He is mad with grief."

"Perhaps you might ... take a breath of fresh air ?" he suggests.  "I would be honoured if you'd allow me to accompany you.  We don't want to be the cause of any interruption to these proceedings," he nods respectfully to Henry with a meaningful glance to Bai.

Vik stands, one hand on her knife and another on her shortsword, keeping back from the group currently speaking with the orc . . . but ready to pounce should this turn ugly. Bloodshed wouldn't sit well with the more upstanding members of her band, but it would be best to put the orc down quickly

OOC: ready action to step up, draw weapons, and attack with knife if need be (subdual of course)

Bai lifts her chin and pats down her clothes, physically composing herself, perhaps in an attempt to do the same with her emotions. "Thank you, no. I am more useful to Marshal de la Maistre here even if no one can be bothered to keep the violent prisoners in irons like they should be. How this... person views things isn't my concern. I stopped viewing him as relevant when he decided he wasn't willing to be rational."

Percy nods in agreement, relaxing a little as Bai regains her composure. "Grief can make one irrational," he suggests in a placatory manner.

"Oh. Very wise," the young gentleman says, most sincerely, gesturing to the guards to regain control of their charge.  "We shall leave him to these fine fellows."

Turning her head, the young woman's eyes spark to life. For a brief moment, her face reveals itself and in that moment there is seen a clear sense of contempt over what has just occurred and over what is said.

Somehow, the woman manages to keep her mouth shut, but her lips twist against the sudden, bitter taste in her mouth. With a slight jerk of her head, the hood falls back over her face. The grasp of her arms tightens about her waist, as does the grip about her elbows.

Valoria took small note of the goings on of the prisoner, still sure of Bank's safety. Instead, she continued taking note of any strange language and glancing over to the drow, as if looking at a very rare magical creature. Finally, Valoria spoke to her in a low tone. "Forgive me for asking, where you raised above...or below? Again, forgive my curiosity, but even the most knowledgeable know little about your kind."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:06, Mon 03 Oct 2016.

The grip about her elbows tightened slightly further and she lost what little of her resolve there was left to cling to. The silver of her eyes burned with a stark intensity as they turned and bore down on the small female. "My kind?" She asked, her voice devoid of any information. Releasing one hand, she reached up to pull back the hood from her face, revealing a look that spoke of her worn tolerance.

"If you will forgive me for saying, the people who you refer to as my kind, saw fit to leave a squalling infant to the elements of the woods nearly a hundred years ago. Those would be the ones who share the color of my skin, which is what I assume you were referring to as my kind. My kind look much like yours. They were also human, though they weren't blessed with the benefits of good rank and breeding as some. They worked hard for their living, and unlike your kind, they never referred to mine as being any different than theirs. Keep your curiosity to yourself, child. I am not here to expand your knowledge and idle fancies. If you'll excuse me, I've seen quite enough kindness for one morning. " Pushing herself from the wall, and turning her head, she moves away from the proceedings and off to find a shaded spot in which to rest.

Though they could easily assume that she was as cold-hearted as the kin they often mistook her for, they could not so easily see the shame of the pain she felt from such simple mistakes. Too often people saw her as a source of information, but in truth there was little she carried of her 'kin' other than their native tongue, their quick temper, and a touch of the magic they possessed.

Valoria smiled as Aris'ta proceeded to tell her what for. She gave a reply in a almost jovial tone. “Yes, I said your kind as to refer to your obvious drow heritage. You look like a drow...Would it be out of place for a dwarf to refer to my kind as human? A spade is a spade my dear...That said, I find it interesting that you where raised above...by humans no less. Good salt of the earth common folk, I assume? That sounds nice. Although, it must be hard to live so long....Thank you for answering my question. Most kind. I look forward to our next conversation.” Valoria gave Aris'ta a nod and then turned her attention back to the trial at hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Tue 04 Oct 2016.

Assailed on all fronts, Percy half-turns his head towards Valeria and the hooded Aris'ta, but his lips quirk in a smile at Valoria's response and he looks away again, content that his companion of the road will neither take offence or wittingly give it.

Though he doesn't miss the meaning of Aris'ta's words and wonders just what is hidden beneath that hood.  Something, undoubtedly of which his mother would not approve.  Though that doughty lady would probably look down her nose at Henry himself and most certainly at his own current employment !

"I miss the road already," he mumbles to Vik, his voice low but his smile grown.

In reply to Percy Arndell (msg # 40):

"There's a certain . . . simplicity to the road, dear Percy."

Vik whispered to her recent traveling companion.

Aris'ta stopped only momentarily to turn and peer hard at the young woman. "If a spade were a spade, my dear I would have slit your throat the moment you opened your mouth to speak. Remember that about my kind" was the only reply given, before turning and moving from the room quickly. She doesn't give room to stop and look at anyone or anything, and just as she hovered as a shadow on the wall before, it is easy to forget she had ever been present at all.

There was far too many nuances conversing with the living, and so she went to take her place among the dead.

Valoria laughed at the Aris'ta comment. “Wow....very scary...Arisy. Just because you share their blood, does not mean you are like them, I know that. However, you are a drow with the values of humans...You will have to come to grips with that one day....Arisy.” As  Aris'ta walked away, Valoria rubbed her neck gently in a mocking manner. “Alas Arisy, my neck grows cold.”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Wed 05 Oct 2016.

As Aris has already stepped away, and with a brisk pace, she misses Valoria's attempts to mock her warning, which is likely for the best.

As the Half-Orc suddenly lunges for Bai, Pipre tries to get between two while Cyrus lunges in using his shield to try and bash the Half-orc away.

Andalon stands by watching carefully, while Percy offers a basic translation and then speaks in the same guttural language as Pipre.  Valoria quickly casts a spell.  Bai half-jumps back as the half-orc lunges and starts on a long defence of her actions.

However, as Cyrus crashes into the half-orc, Bai and Pipre get caught up in the fight and they both  finish up in a pile on the ground with the half orc.   With Cyrus left standing over the three of them.

In the aftermath, Percy and Vik stand ready while Valoria and Aris’ta start to bicker …

"Keston!  Get him out of here." Henry roars pointing at the half orc, his face red with anger.  "His life is forfeit under the law for unrepentant banditry.  Rikka, Tib.  I do not want to see that half orc alive again!

Turning to the rest of the guards, he continues, still clearly angry "Put those three on their knees ..."  and the guards rush to comply as  Keston, Tib and Rikka drag the unconscious and bleeding half orc away.

Stepping forwards Henry offers Bai his hand to hep her to her feet.  "Are you alright, my dear?" he asks more solicitously.

Ferdniand and his retinue watch on impassively.

Bai accepts Henry's hand and smiles graciously. Muttering beneath her breath for a moment, or perhaps simply catching her words she nods thankfully, "I greatly appreciate that, and I'm sorry for losing my composure, perhaps it's a consequence of being out in the field so long away from civilization." She smiles and dips a brief curtsy before taking her hand back.

Cyrus steps aside as Keston, Rikka and Tib rush up to secure the prisoner and offers a hand to Pipre as Henry helps Bai to her feet. Though in the heat of the moment he'd considered drawing his blade and dispatching the bandit, striking a man while he was unarmed and on the ground was not something he could have reconciled. Even the order to execute him seemed harsh but he knew his place was not to question Henry and the bandit had threatened a fellow deputy...

In the tumult, Cyrus had missed the bickering between Valoria and Aris'ta but he saw the elf storm away and wondered what Valoria had done to elicit such a response. He would wait until later and ask her what had caused the outburst. Aris'ta had traveled with them to Oleg's and though it had been a short trip she had kept mostly to herself. He'd noticed she and Rook had gravitated towards one another but who was he to speculate on the relationships that were developing amidst the deputies. He knew little of her other than that she was skilled with a bow and avoided questions about her past. He wondered if Valoria hadn't let her curiosity get the better of her and unknowingly offended Aris'ta.

As the other prisoners are led away, Cyrus takes a deep breath and joins Valoria with an inquisitive look. He considered breaking the news she had mentioned to Henry but given the tension of the past few seconds, he thought it might be better to wait for cooler heads to prevail.

It does not need the finely tuned eye of a merchant to note Henry's anger, and Percy is determined not to give his patron further cause.  Seeing Cyrus offer his hand to Pipre, the young gentleman steps back politely, holding his tongue, risking no further jest and yielding the floor to the luckless guards who bear the brunt of Henry's anger.

Save for the prisoner, of course, but his fate was sealed when he let his grief o'ertake his reason, matter not that he chose it or not.  The law is harsh, but so too is the manner in which bandits conduct their business, and Percy has no argument with the judgment.

Andalon sighed as anger and bitterness took control and the situation deteriorated. He watched as the half-orc was led away but stayed to hear Henry's verdict on the others.

Valoria looked up at Cyrus's gaze with a weak smile and bewildered eyes. She spoke to him in an almost defeated tone of voice. Her voice was almost a whisper.  Valoria then stayed quite and waited for Henry's verdict.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Fri 07 Oct 2016.

Pipre picks up a still-burning roll of herbally infused tobacco she had been smoking and had dropped when the whole thing started. With the cigarette back in hand she stands up and only then looks up to notice Cyrus's hand. She shakes it and then tugs close, her voice once more smoky and fraying in interesting intonations, "Careful with that shield, Cyrus," she says before moving over to sit at a table, crossing one leg over the other and shaking her head lightly at the way things played out.

"I always take great care with my arms and armor. But thank you for the reminder. I am still not sure what lead to all that tumult."

He nodded to Valoria and was clearly whispering to her while they waited for Henry to continue.

Before long everything has calmed down with the half-orc dragged away for a certain death and everyone else (except the prisoners) picked up, dusted down and checked over.  Then Henry starts his interrogation of the prisoners.
He starts by describing the possibilities – renounce banditry and accept the brand and all three of them will be given a second chance. However, each will be expected to co-operate and answer his questions truthfully, or else Henry will consider that to be breach of trier vow to give up banditry – and that will mean death, alongside their deposed leader.  Unsurprisingly, all three agree to take the brand.

Henry’s questions quickly establish that the woman in the red dress is called Lavinia, she came from the Ring Fort, is a fearsome spell caster and is mother to the half-orcs.  Kressle went to her for assistance once the camp was overrun.  The newly reformed bandits don’t know what the leaders plans are now – however they guess they will retire to either the Ring Fort or the Staglord’s Keep.

Then the newly paroled ex-bandits are lead to the stables to spend the first night of their new lives.
Then Henry turns his attention to you.

”That settles it then.  Bai? I would like you to lead a small expedition to speak with the Fae you found.    We need to know that area is secure and we need to let your new friends know we can be friends and allies, rather than just another bunch of bandits.  Cyrus, I want to you take and hold that ring fort for me.

This time I will let you choose your own assignments.” he says looking around the group.  ”You know your strengths and weaknesses.  Both are important, both help us move our influence to the south and closer to this Stag Lord.   Once we are secure in that, we will go pay this Stag Lord a visit!  But rest this evening, take tomorrow to prepare and you will set off the day afterwards.”

With that he withdraws from the central area towards the fire.  Sir Ferdinand nods his approval and comments that he is going to check on his horse in the corral.

---

OOC:  Over to you guys.  Henry will be in the Fire thread.  Ferdinand will be in the Corral thread, the newest (ex-bandit) recruits are in the Stable thread.  You have a number of other threads for private conversations.
However, I would suggest that you use one of the threads to compare, swap and distribute treasure:]

Andalon spoke up as soon as Henry and Ferdinand had left.

"Cyrus, I'll come back to the ring fort with you, if that is alright with you. I would like to find out more about that place, as well as Lavinia the wizardess and her half-orc sons that live there. Three down, how many more to go, I wonder? There were only five beds in that cave and the one that was curtained off was probably hers, so she may only have one other half-orc son there with her. Plus whatever other bandits she may have with her there now."

He looks quite thoughtful after that and as soon as the parties are agreed he will head over to the stables to ask the ex-bandits a few more questions.

"And I as well!"

Vik coughed into her hand, eager to get to a fire or at least out of her traveling clothes but even more eager to settle business

"You'll need swords and those who wield them well in this."

Vik returned after excusing herself, hauling what she could of the treasure her group had brought

"We made a good haul in the orcy ring, I'm eager to see what other treasures and baubles might be left where we had to turn back. No doubt some long lost crown or mighty weapon, now plundered by common bandits in our absence."


This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

"Of course," Percy grins broadly at Cyrus, sharing a secret jest as he indicates his willingness to return with the young warrior as well.  "I promised to guide you faithfully and that vow is not yet fulfilled."

'Take and hold that ring fort for me' So Henry intends that a presence should be established there.  No week long foray this time - undoubtedly their patron means to journey there himself once the task is accomplished.

Vik's return rouses him from his musings.

"Oh." Percy goes back to the fire to fetch the borrowed leather armour he'd been wearing, adding it to the rest of the haul.

"As I said, we had a disagreement with a fellow at the Orcy ring.  It didn't seem that he'd be needing his arms and armour anymore so we brought them with us, though to be fair I left my own in return, should his shade have need to defend itself."

"I believe it is magical," he nods to Valoria who declared it so. "If but a minor enchantment." Leather armour, +1 (1010GP?)

"His blade," Percy pats his hand on the scabbard at his hip.  "Fine quality, but, alas, not enchanted.  I'd claim that for myself and forego the value in coin, if there are no objections ... assuming I can afford it !"  Masterwork Rapier (320GP)

"And we also hauled a silver mirror back with us," the young gentleman muses. "Worth perhaps sixty gold coins ?" he shrugs.  Silver Mirror (60GP)

On half-orc killed in cave at the Ring Fort (Day 5 – Hex T, msg #172)

• leather armour +1 (worn by Percy but not claimed?)
• master-work Rapier (claimed by Percy)
• belt with pockets
• sling, 20 sling bullets,
• six small matching gems (aquamarine, value 80gp each)
• set of thief's tools
• trap mechanism (including needle) partially complete

In chest in cave at the Ring Fort (Day 5 – Hex T, msg #290)

• a cloak, a robe and a brocade gown (value 50gp) (claimed by Valoria)
• A small clay pot with a wooden stopper (potion of Cure Moderate Wounds),
• a box containing a wig and a vial of perfume (value 40gp),
• a fine dagger in a scabbard on a silk belt (value 80gp),
• three full bags containing  two containing 100sp, one with100gp and one half full with 60pp.
• A box containing a bracelet and matching necklace (silver and amber value 80gp) (claimed by Valoria?)
• Spell Book (claimed by Valoria): L0 detect magic, All Cantrips except Evocation and Transmutation, L1 Silent Image, Obscuring Mist, Disguise Self, Colour Spray, Detect Secret Doors, L2 hypnotic pattern, magic mouth
  
• A halfhelm and a glaive (msg #295)
  
• silver mirror (msg #430)

In Quern's cave (Day 6 – Hex, msg #549)

• Glow stick (purple glow - magical) (carried by Percy but not claimed?)
• Four books (msg #563 for descriptions):  'Zuddiger's Picnic', 'Treatise on Forgotten Heroes', 'Betty's Home Recipes' and 'The Taldan Expansion'.
  
• quill and ink (claimed by Valoria) (msg #573)

This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

"Nothing here strikes my fancy, but I'd say I'm still looking to get my fair share of the treasure."

Vik touched her fingers together, peering at the assembled haul

"So a few schools of thought on the matter, we can divide treasure in a totally 'fair' method, taking all value into account and strictly portioning it all. I for one have always thought fair was not fair, though. I would say we divide the weapons, armour and magic items as best befit each person, and the valuables, coins and goods can be then divided equally, a lesser portion for some, yes, but our groups survival should not hinge on haggling over a magic knife."

She drew her own knife, admiring it's glimmer in the light before sheathing it

"My thanks, and my group's as well I'd say, for the knife. It proved necessary to our survival out in the wilds. Now some might say that weapons and armours and magic items should be counted against a share, and that those who get an item which exceeds the value of a share should forfeit that share, while getting the item in question. It would be fairer than my idea, but I submit to you all these three options. How do we proceed?"

"I'm curious to see what Rook's group have brought back with them before we start dividing things up," Andalon replied. "Our half-orc had some valuable equipment so perhaps their two did too."

"As for how to divide it all up, I suggest we value everything at the price we could sell it for, add it all up and divide the total evenly by the number of people involved. Ten of us went exploring, plus Lolli, but who else gets a share as well? Henry? I'm not sure.

"Anyway, say Lolli is paid wages (we'll need to decide that later) so it's just the ten of us. Divide everything by ten. Say for example we could sell the whole lot for 5,000gp which would mean a theoretical share of 500gp for each of us. But let's suppose there was a magic sword we could sell for 1,150gp included in that haul. We want it to be used, not sold, so someone should have it as their share of the treasure. As their share, not in addition to their share. After all, it is still a valuable item that they might decide to sell later for 1,150gp if circumstances change. If that theoretical sword was that person's full share it would still mean the remaining treasure is reduced to 3,850gp and the other 9 people can only receive 427gp, 7sp and 8cp each instead of a full 500gp share, because perfectly equal shares are just a dream and that's not the way life works in the real world.

"Well, that's the way I think we should divide things up, anyway. Not handing out magic items for free (because that's not fair to everyone else) but not expecting someone to pay back the extra value from future treasure shares either (because then nobody would choose to use magic items unless they are exactly what they wanted to buy anyway).

"I suppose the exception would be party items. Say there was something there that we all agreed the party should keep for future use, but nobody wants it as their personal share of the treasure. That item is left out of the calculation altogether. Sure, somebody will have to carry it but it doesn't belong to them and they can't decide to sell it in future for their own profit."

At the end of that lengthy explanation Andalon grinned a bit sheepishly.

"There endeth the sermon," he added after a moment's pause.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

Valoria smiled as all of her group decided to stay together, at least for the now. "I too will join the quest to take the fort." She then listened to the debate over the treasure. She somewhat disliked such talk and hated haggling over money. For the most part she found herself siding with Vik over this issue. "As of yet, I am almost broke due to these adventures. I personally need liquid currency to make good on the captured spellbook and to continue my studies. The right spell, just like Vik's dagger could give us a much needed victory. I am in agreement with Vik."

"Like I said, differing opinions."

Vik smiles at Andalon's thorough explanation of his position.

"I disagree mostly on the stance that a tool should be put in the hands of the man or woman who can use it. Gold and goods and gems are spoils, weapons and magic items and armour are tools. But I mostly just want an agreed upon method, no matter what it is."

She looks to Lolli

"Some equipment would be nice for Lolli, but for the most part I'm going to try to keep her provisioned myself, as I'm employing her. If anyone finds any weapons or armour she could use, I'll buy it, if coin is available, at three-quarters value, not the half value the shops and merchants will provide. Fair?"

"If my lords and ladies would be so kind . . . "

Lolli moves forward, knuckling her forehead to the assembled group

"A rapier, a longbow, light armour better than leather, or some tools for artificing and crafting, those would be what I need. I intend to make good on pulling my weight, and those would see me as ready as my training allows, in fighting and in putting my training to work. And I echo Lady Viktoria's offer, should something be of use to me I'll contribute to its purchase over some merchant in the big cities"

By the end of Andalon's speech Pipre had already put on the half helm and tasted the perfume. Tasting it might have been seen as an odd use but her thoughtful gaze seems to suggest that she is analyzing the ingredients. "Orange peel, sandalwood, ambergris.. quite nice.." she says quietly to herself. Then, looking up from her investigation, she declares, "I think, as expected, Andalon has the right of it." She looks over to the others she had ridden with, "We should include the few things we found. It seems the orcy ring was the true prize of the two expeditions but it's difficult to put a price on the good relations we started with the fey. They are a bit terrifying to behold in action, right Aris'ta?"

By this time she had opened to satchel of thieves tools and was inspecting them in a manner that suggests she knows how to use them.

"Oh, and I should like to look over the spellbook as well. When learning my craft I relied heavily on wizardly notes to convert the Art into formulae for my concoctions."

Raising an eyebrow, Vik watched Pipre taste the perfume

"Are you wanting to keep that, now that you've drank from it?"

Valoria paused as if remembering something important. "I just remembered that I should still have credit with Oleg. As I have said my thoughts on the matter, please let me know what you decide to do. Also, dear Andalon I will need to set up a tab with you for the wedding costs. Just let me and Cyrus know what the expenses will be and we can work on the contract."

She then looked over to Pipre with an expression of respect and surprise. "I had no idea you where able to read spellbooks. Would you care to join me at the table? You can take a look at the captured spellbook and my own. I could show you some of my spells while we make copies."

OOC: I just remembered the store credit.

DM:

OOC:  If you take Oleg's deal that will be 50gp each (half shares for Borric, Adoven, Tib and Rikka)

Valoria still has 45gp of it. I believe Andalon has 55gp. Valoria transferred 5gp for healing before leaving this last time. ;).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

Rook had been strangely absent during the whole ordeal with the prisoners, but when he returned he looked reinvigorated thanks to a good scrubbing. The skin around his healing wounds was now pink with inflammation. However, his mood appeared to be lightened. Now that the assignments had been doled out, he helped bring in the pack animal loaded with what they'd brought back from their week out in the wilds. Most of it had come from their very last encounter with the bandits, but the other bits were from the discovery of a trapper that had been killed by the fey.

• Bear Traps x10
• Small Bear Traps x10
• Tent
• Animal Skins x6
• Backpack (spare clothes, twine, rope, flint and steel, and trail rations)
• Mw Handaxe (Rook)
• Mw Skinner's Knife (Zorah/Lex)
• Darkwood Longbow  (DM: Darkwood is automatically MW)
• Mw Studded Leather Armour
• Explorer's Outfit
• Mw Shortsword x2
• Cloak w/ Platinum Clasp
• Shoulder Bag (Mw Thief's Tools, a flask of oil, two small torches, a tinder box)
• Magic Ring (Bai)
• Mw Light Crossbow
• Mw Leather Armor
• Leather Armor
• Belt Pouch x4 (85gp)
• Utility Belt (Thief's Tools, Small Aquamarine x6, 8gp)
• Daggers x7
• Sickle
• Light Mace
• Heavy Mace
• Shortsword
• Handaxe x2
• Battleaxe
• Scimitar

This message was last edited by the GM at 20:40, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

As Valoria waited for Pipre's answer, she gave the items the other group had a look over. "Revelabit!"

OOC: Casting detect magic. Let me know if you need any spellcraft checks. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Sat 08 Oct 2016.

Cyrus had been deeply honored by Henry's request to take and hold the fort which was more than apparent by the reddening of his already ruddy complexion. He was eager and hearing all of his traveling companions agree to return with him already, he'd been about to beseech the others to consider coming as well as he knew taking the ring most likley now inhabited by a powerful magic user would take many hands when Andalon began his sermon.

Cyrus could feel the blood rush to his face, did this man's greed know no bounds? Were they not all a team and had they not all agreed to share the spoils? Now to demand that his share be greater because there were no implements that he desired... He breathed deeply and felt a modicum of calm return. He took another deep breath and then spoke up saying, "Enough. I will say this and will then be silent once more. I strongly disagree with the "share" system Andalon just declared. The items we've found, all of them, were found by all of us together and we should find the best use for those items. Should any item then be deemed expendable, we can sell it and share the proceeds, but I want us all to be protected by the best armor and using the best instruments of our particular craft. Were Aris'ta here, I would hand her the Darkwood Bow as she is our best archer. Were there a symbol of Abadar, I would give it to you Andalon. But we should be grateful for the items we have found, distribute them to those who can use them best for our future safety and well being and then split the proceeds from the rest. Anything else is pure greed and utter selfishness and I will not stand for it."

As the best armed and armored amongst you it is clear that Cyrus has no intention of claiming any of the weapons or armor, so his declaration is clearly motivated by doing what is best for the group of ten sworn servants of Henry.

He paused, took another deep breath and said, "If anyone has a problem with that, they should not accompany me back to the fort. I would ask you all to consider joining me in that venture, though I'm quite sure Bai's task is of equal import and difficulty, we suspect that strong allies of the Stag Lord are returning to the fort now and found strong and strange magic already at work there. We expended all of Valoria and Andalon's magic just in clearing the open area. I fear we will need more manpower than we took with us last time."

Andalon looks hurt but not angry at Cyrus's response.

"Greed and selfishness? Oh, Cyrus, you do me great injustice," he replies sadly. "The only one who could be accused of greed and selfishness would be a person who asks to be given the most powerful magic item we might find, and a full share of the remaining treasure as well!

"Perhaps we need to look at this from a different angle. There are two issues here; who uses an item and who owns it. I totally agree that the best thing for the group as a whole is for each item to be used by the person who can make the best use of it. But should that person automatically be given ownership of it, and still receive a full share of the remaining treasure as well? That's hardly fair to everyone else, is it? If you want to distribute items to the best users and split the remainder equally then those items should remain the property of the whole party, all ten of us equally. Otherwise, what happens if someone's father dies and they have to leave us to return home, or someone's temple summons them away from us? [OOC: Or if a player leaves the game for whatever reason.] If they own those items outright then naturally they will take the item away with them, won't they?

"We can do it that way if that is the party's preference. Give custodianship of valuable items to whoever is the best to use them, in terms of what's best for the whole party, but they remain as party items owned by all of us together. Then sell the rest at the price that merchants will pay for them and split the resulting cash equally between all ten of us.

"If anyone wants ownership of an item they would have to pay for it at the same price that a merchant would pay us for that item." He glances at Vik and Lolli then adds, "Not more than a merchant would pay.

"But on another note, if someone like Lolli is going to do more than just hold our horses' reins during a fight and cook for us afterwards, if she is going to bear arms and risk her life with the rest of us, then she deserves to share the rewards as well. She wouldn't be in the thick of the battle and wouldn't face the same risks as the rest of us, so perhaps a rule like a one-tenth share for a camp assistant, a quarter share for an armed guard and a half share for a squire might be an appropriate system?"

"Oh.  You do your group a disservice," Percy smiles at Pipre, pleased to be the bearer of good tidings.  "Those items Rook just brought in - many of them were of fine quality, and that always means a higher price."

"It is hard to balance fairness against what is best for us as a group, but perhaps there is a middle ground ?" the former merchant suggests.  "Though Andalon mentioned it earlier only to reject it, the harsh world of commerce does occasionally allow for items to be purchased on credit."

"I suggest we value all items at the price a merchant would pay, determine base shares and then distribute wanted items as we will, counting that against both current and future shares, half shares, tenth shares and so on.  For example, this blade I now bear ..." he pauses for a moment as he appraises the value, "... would sell for about one hundred and sixty gold coins, by my reckoning, so if my share were only one hundred gold coins, then when we next divide our treasure I would forego another sixty."

"Should I decide to leave ... I would have to decide whether to make good on the outstanding balance, else return the item for what I'd thus far paid."

"Another example - while I would indeed like to claim that leather armour," Percy indicates the item he'd earlier shed, "in time I might seek something even better.  Having paid what any merchant might pay for it, should I later sell then I would get back what I paid - no loss to me or to the group."

"And as we split into our separate groups, perhaps we should also agree that those who bring the item to the table have first chance to claim it ?"

"I really think that's the best we can do - it may not make everyone happy, but it would be an effective compromise."

"I'd be glad to keep a ledger, and have Andalon," he automatically names the priest of Abador as such is well within their precepts, "or indeed anyone else who wishes to look over the ledger at any time to ensure both honesty on my part and that no mistakes had been made," the young gentleman offers, hopeful that this compromise will prove acceptable to all.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

"The only problem with allowing someone to 'buy' an item on credit is that the only possible source we have for that credit is from everyone else's share of the treasure. Effectively everyone else has to lend that person that money until that person can pay them back," Andalon points out.

"That's a wonderfully Abadaran concept but, as I am all too sadly aware, not everyone here sees things the Abadaran way."

Percy nods quite openly.  "Yes, everyone gets a bit less this time and a bit more next time," he agrees.  "It all balances out in the end."

"Sadly," he smiles.  "Nobody makes a profit ... nor a loss."

"Oh. There is one more way I can think of that might better suit everyone ... much simpler, I promise !" the young gentleman hastens to add in an effort not to lose his audience.

"Everyone gets their share of the treasure ... and if they don't have enough to purchase a specific item outright, then they must hope that one of their companions will loan them what they need, with or without interest - whatever terms they agree upon."

"Just a thought," Percy smiles.

Once the voices die down Zorah steps forward from the back of the group where she watched both the bandits interrogation and now the discussion of treasure.  She quickly passes over many of the items but stops to examine the animal skins.

"I'm in favor of Percy's idea of valuing the items and sharing equally.  Any valuable item should be purchased by borrowing coin from those in the group.  I would only lay claim to the skinning knife and animal skins, which can be delivered to Lex should no one else have a want for them."

"I'd love a chance to see the fae again if you'd have me join you, Bai."  She says at the end, returning to the background.

Pipre shook her head slightly at Valoria, the half-helm wobbling on her head. "Later; I'm very tired at the moment. Like I said, we went straight through the night to get out of the fey territory."

Valoria's face reflected a little disappointment, but she understood Pipre's desire for rest. She gave Pipre a humble nod. “Very well. Another time perhaps....The copies I need to make will only take a few hours...That is if Oleg has all the extra ink I will need. Once I am successful, I will leave the capture spellbook with you. That way you can study it at your leisure. Have a good rest.”

Percy seems about to propose yet another option ... but looking around the room, wisely decides to hold his tongue.  While he and Andalon could and undoubtedly will debate the merits of the diverse forms of contracts and commercial transactions, such is perhaps not of such interest to bold explorers ... and tired ones at that.

"Oh. Perhaps the simplest method would be better ?" he suggests diplomatically to the priest of Abadar.

Bai had kept quiet for most of the discussion, the only bits of gear that she seemed interested in were the few books the other group had gathered. Remembering the ring that Rook had handed her she pulled it out of her pocket and added it to the tally of goods. She was a bit disheartened to see that so quickly the groups were reforming just as they'd been. It seemed to her that there was some wisdom in mixing things up and seeing what skills might complement each other. Still this was a conversation for another time, right now she needed rest and relaxation. "I wouldn't mind having a look at those books, if no one objects. That can all wait, Pipre we talked about sharing a drink in the bathing pool, I think right now seems like a splendid time for that, don't you?" She smiled at the alchemist, the weariness of the road clear in her smile, and turned to the rest of those assembled and nodded in their direction excusing herself. "I just want to get a thing or two, but I'd love to relax with anyone who'll join me."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

Andalon looks at Percy for a moment as though he wants to continue the debate, but only for a moment. Instead he just shrugs and nods.

"So be it then."

Cyrus was glad the others worked their way back to the concept of doing what was best for the entire team rather than what might leave them with the most gold in their pockets and that no further discussion on the matter was warranted. He also enjoyed the way Valoria proposed sharing her spellbook with the others, no sense in keeping strength to ones' self if they were all working together towards a common purpose.

"Thank you for coming to an acceptable agreement. Andalon, I am sorry, I see now what you were saying and it was not as selfish as I'd originally judged it. I should not have spoken so harshly but I seem to find your faith and approach to money somewhat different than my own and I hope we can get past that. I have a few items to attend to, but should any of you wish to join the group that found the fort in taking it, please let me know."

He leaned over to Valoria and whispered something before taking his leave.

Valoria noted Bai, Pipre and their desire to go off to the bathing pool. A part of Valoria wanted to join them, but she was feeling more than a little estranged from that crowd, Bai's group. Indeed, she felt much more camaraderie among her group. Perhaps it was not so strange, as group one seemed to mostly be from the lower, commoner class and group two was mostly, if not entirely from noble families. It was not strange, just unfortunate.

With a wave of the hand and a snap of her fingers, all the dirt and grime from the road disappeared from her clothes and skin. She was now completely clean. Prestidigitation is a marvelous spell indeed.

Looking over to Andalon, she handed him one hundred gold pieces from her share. “That should pay for the rings, the contract and importantly your fee. My thanks dear cousin, I am grateful for your help.”

As Cyrus then whispered in her ear, a smile came to her face. “I believe you are right. I like the idea. Would you care to join me at the table? We can share some wine while I make copies.”

OOC: The GM said 20gp will cover two signet rings with the crest of your new house, plus all the engraving and storage of a copy of the contract.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Mon 10 Oct 2016.

Cyrus was about to leave when he said, "I will join you momentarily, I have some other business to attend to."

Valoria's face glowed and she kissed Cyrus on the cheek. “Try not to be too long darling.” With that she made her way to the tables.

OOC: Moving to, “Location: The Fire”.

Andalon clasped Valoria's hand in both of his and smiled gently back at her happiness.

"I am sure that will be more than sufficient," he assured her. "I am honoured to be able to be of assistance in your wedding plans, Cousin. Have you and Cyrus decided on the crest you will adopt for your new house? When you are ready we should send the details to Restov to get them crafted up for you."

In reply to Andalon de Lebeda (msg # 86):

"I believe a new crest has already been chosen. However, I would ask Cyrus on that score."

OOC: DM, Cyrus did we come up with a new Crest? I was under the brief that one was made. :)

OOC: It is in Cyrus's hands.  Personally I like that new mythological beast I created for you - the Swoar - which would have allowed us to make all sorts of 'If Pigs could fly' jokes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:27, Wed 12 Oct 2016.

OOC: I haven't had a chance to work on it, but I will soon!

Next day

---

Once you have rested, recovered from the night before, you can get a couple of honey cakes from Svetlana for breakfast and go about your business.

Brother Bart settles himself into the courtyard catching everyone as they go past and asking if they need any help, healing or clerical services before they go out on their next mission.

In the morning Andalon greets Brother Bart warmly and assures him that he is fit and ready for the mission ahead. Andalon enjoys Svetlana's honey cakes for breakfast but soon seeks out Oleg to discuss business.

"When Adoven and Borric return from Restov they should have purchased materials for me to scribe scrolls (50gp worth). When you send them back on their next journey to trade in some of the items we gained during the last week I would ask you to get them to buy a few more things for me with my share of the proceeds (300gp). I want to buy a suit of banded mail armour (250gp) and more materials for me to scribe more scrolls (another 50gp worth).

"I also want them to buy me some things from the Temple of Abadar. I will give you a letter to the Banker there to assure him these things are indeed for one of the Abadaran clergy, which should avoid any unnecessary mark up on the price. I want to purchase a gilded metal holy symbol to replace my gold-painted wooden one and a decent altar set that I can use during Val and Cyrus's wedding. I will need several yards of white linen and a spool of gilt thread so Pru can sew up a decent set of clerical robes and an embroidered altar cloth for me. I think I have the cash to pay for those items and will give it to you before we set off today. I am going to speak to Pru next so she should be able to confirm how much cloth and thread will be required.

"Lastly, Cyrus and Valoria will need a pair of signet rings for the wedding service, engraved with the new crest they have chosen. Val has already given me the money for the rings, so I will leave that with you as well."

OOC: The clerical items are to be paid for from the donations Andalon has received from other party members for healing services, etc. Based on the idea of donations to the church being used to buy things the church needs to perform its religious services.

Oleg makes a note of the things  Andalon wants to purchase "I think we should be able to arrange that ..." he says nodding.

"And I will take direction  from Pru as to the amount of cloth you will need for the vestments and altar cloth." Oleg nods as the cleric continues to outline his plans.

Andalon counts coins then hands Oleg 80gp for the clerical purchases plus another 10gp for the two signet rings.

"Thank you, Oleg. If it ends up a bit more or less we can sort out the balance when the goods arrive. Make sure you get the details of the crest for those rings from Cyrus and Valoria before we leave today. Now I had better find Pru and discuss the details with her."

Andalon then heads off to talk to Pru. When he finds her he asks if she would be willing to take on the task of making a set of clerical vestments and an embroidered altar cloth for him. He will pay a fair price for her work, of course. He will suggest that she take whatever measurements are required so she can advise Oleg how much cloth and thread is required and then begin making the clothes when the materials arrive, even if Andalon is not back here again by then. She can advise Oleg about a few key measurements for the banded mail armour that Andalon wants to purchase as well.

The young woman seems keen to the idea and need Andalon presents to her. She listens with interest, occasionally marking some notes on a small script of paper. As her usual, she listens and asks questions in regards to style, length, color, and appeal that he will desire, as well as information on the traditional styles of the church as she is not a part of it and has no experience with such vestments. Once she has the information needed, she assures him she will get to work as soon as the supplies arrive and will take additional measurements when he returns to check her numbers. Not wishing to keep him, and knowing he will be busy, she ends the conversation with the promise to seek him out if anymore concerns arrive and departs to find Oleg to make the necessary arrangements, crunching numbers as she walks to ensure she has enough of what she needs.

Lolli woke eagerly and early, eating some honey cakes and grabbing her rapier, waiting for Percy in the yard. She twirled the blade in her hand, running it clumsily between her fingers and stabbing the air with it.

She'd agreed to Percy's terms the previous night, and was so excited she went, with her lady's dismissal, directly to bed. Her excitement hadn't abated.

As morning drew on, she settled to patching her lady's armour, waiting for Percy to wake up.

By afternoon she gathered some leftovers and waited for Percy to emerge to offer her teacher an invigorating breakfast
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Fri 28 Oct 2016.

It is indeed nigh on afternoon when Percy finally awakens, much refreshed from his long sleep.  The exertions of the week had certainly taken their toll on the young gentleman, and he had taken advantage of the only chance he was likely to get to rest his weary bones, since they'll all be off again on the morrow.

Surprised and yet pleased, he tucks into his breakfast-cum-lunch as one who might never see food again, the moreso as he does not like to keep a lady waiting, and he is gratified by Lolli's eagerness, though hoping he does not prove a disappointment to her, as his skills as a teacher have not yet been tested.

"It's all about form," he tells her as he cuts a couple of suitably thin and springy branches, akin to the flexible rapier.  "As my old tutor oft impressed upon me."

"Your mistress and Cyrus ... they rely on strength and power, striving for a telling blow that will fell their opponents and so avoid any harm to themselves - a dead or incapacitated foe cannot hit back !"

"But the rapier ... that is all about patience, timing and skill ... and footwork !  We must test and probe our opponent's defences until we find the perfect opening, while avoiding their attacks.  It's more of a dance really."

"So today ... we practice our form and position," Percy smiles encouragingly as he hands Lolli one of the supple branches, "and repetition is the only way to learn. Copy me ... foot forward ... foot back ..."

Valoria waited her turn as her cousin made his request of Prudence. Once that was done she nodded to Andalon and approached Prudence. “Dear Prudence, I was hoping you could make adjustments to this brocade gown. It will be my wedding dress....I would be willing to pay a generous sum for such services.”

OOC: Will leave brocade gown with Prudence, if she agrees. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Sat 29 Oct 2016.

Pipre was sitting on a table with a bottle of her own ale, chilled by the bathing pool, between her thighs and a roll of smoking tobacco blend between her lips. She watches as the festivities wind down and some of the others find Prudence and start orders and commissions for the wedding. She watches from lowered, feathery black eyelashes and furtive glances while supposing that this meant that her own orders would likely be put on hold.

With a sigh she rolls her shoulder and decides to head back to bed; they would be out in the wilderness where things were often less complicated soon enough.

In reply to Percy Arndell (msg # 96):

"Foot forward . . . foot back"

Lolli took to the teaching eagerly but solemnly, taking onboard all of Percy's teachings, and pressing what few advantages she can.

Her combat skills are not to the level of Percy though, and after a quarter hour of work she takes a break to breathe and drink some water

"You're right, it's a long process isn't it? Lady Vik makes it look easy with her swords, but she's driving them through people"

Unlike his own tutor Percy has no objections when Lolli needs to stop for a break ... indeed, he is most glad of the chance himself to take a breath.

"It's just a matter of repeating and repeating until you don't need to think about it and it comes naturally," he assures her. "The dance is all about agility and flow.  Lady Vik ... I could not handle a blade the way she does, drive it through a man's body with brute force.  The rapier is more like an arrow, but propelled by hand not bow - you just need to hit your mark, then the sharp point does all the work."

"The trick, of course, is not only to hit the mark, but to know which mark to hit !  But first things first ..."

Percy is as happy to discuss the process as to begin the dance once more.  Indeed, once Lolli is sufficiently recovered, he watches her form instead, offering pointers and only demonstrating the right and wrong ways to do things when necessary.

--------------------------------------------

New Day

--------------------------------------------

It has been a long tough haul from Restov to Oleg’s Trading post, with few civilised stops.  There was a quick overnight stay at Nikvita’s Crossing (a small walled town) and another at Fort Serenko, right at the edge of Restov’s influence -  but both were “arrive late” and “leave early” stops.  Then you were out in the wilds with hardly anything that looked like a small holding or even a shack.

Borric d’Cordain, the paladin in charge of the trip, has pushed forward trying to make the best time he can  - and it has been a gruelling journey.  Long days, short stops and lots of walking and riding means that you haven’t had much chance to meet with your travelling companions yet.

There is Borric, leader and paladin of Iomedae and Adoven a personable young man whose main job seemed to be buying the goods currently covered in the trade wagon.  They are assisted by Rusty (the wagon driver) and jack (his assistant).  You know little more than the names and general descriptions of you travelling companions and are looking forward to getting to know everyone a bit better when you finally get a chance to stop and relax for a moment or two.

Eventually the trading post comes into site - it was once a small military border-outpost, smaller than Fort Serenko, but large enough to hold a small forward unit.  Now it is Oleg’s trade post serving a diverse community of hunters and trapper who work these wild lands – and currently acting as base to Henry de le Maistre’s expedition.  To one side are a few tents, there is a corral with horses in it and what appears to be a small graveyard as well.  All the signs of a burgeoning settlement.

The gates are open, and Borric leads your small caravan straight into the Trade Post’s yard, calling out a greeting as he does so.


OOC:  I’ll give you all a bit of a chance to post before I start introducing the various NPCs here.

Lex had been watching for the cart's arrival. Adoven had tools and leathers that Lex needed for Pipre's orders and a few other items that he'd been asked to make. As the horses and cart got closer, Lex was surprised by the number of accompanying riders. He hopped down from the lookout perch and stopped by the stables to let Pru and David and the others know the cart was arriving and with it a fair number of riders and then made his way to the gate to open it for the caravan.

As the cart and riders pull up, you all see a slender young man who looks a touch wild waving you into the outpost.

Jicca jumped off the cart and shifted her heavy pack to the other shoulder. She was using her glaive as a walking stick, but it was really too big and heavy for that purpose. It was, however well suited as a weapon with extra tassels and bells, which were necessary to enhance dance and kata routines currently stored away.

Looking around Jicca thought to herself that the place held promise. There was a rugged beauty to the outpost, some refinement and smoothing the edge would be an improvement, but that would come with time. Thus contemplating, she looked to see how other new comers are reacting.

Kethara looked upon the island of civilization with a slight hint of disdain. She much preferred even the barest wilderness to this, but in her heart she knew it to be required. She had come far from her mountain home. She heard a whimper and pet the small creature next to her. Wendig poked his head out and yipped at the buildings, obviously not happy. In truth, the small arctic fox had not been happy since the warmer weather turned his pure white fur a bluish grey.

Lowering herself, and the heavy satchel, from the cart revealed her small frame and the extent of her fur lined cloak and clothes. Kethara was getting used to the clothes bulk in the warm air. She would not take them off, however, for she dared not forsake all of her past for comfort. Her staff took a good amount of her weight as she settled herself.

This was it? They were stopping. This had to be it. Cassius could not remember the last time he had been on a journey. Whenever it had been, it had not been with such a demanding pace as this one. He was half afraid that they were only stopping for water before venturing on.

No, it seemed they had reached their destination. Wiping what seemed like days worth of dust and grime from his wind dried eyes, Cass looked around at the surrounding area. What had been described as a trading post but looked like a small fort took up the majority of the open land. Next to it were some tents and fencing for horses. He wondered if he would have to return his mount, or if it would be kept as a community conveyance for the explorers.

For the first time, Cass allowed himself to contemplate that he may have made an error in setting out for this journey. After all, he may know the streets of Restov like the back of his hand, but here he was practically in the wilderness. Well, he comforted himself that he was not alone. Nothing ventured nothing gained, as they said.

"Who's ready to forge a destiny?" He asked with mirth as he joined the others. Like him, they had come to see what promise could be found in such barely touched lands. If proper trade lines could be established, increased wealth may be a distinct possibility. Then Cass would just have to learn how to act like a merchant.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Sun 15 Jan 2017.

"Destiny you say ... I am more of a free will type of a gal." It was good to banter. The trip was long and left most grumpy. The fact that some were more alert about their surroundings, as opposed to thinking of only their basic needs, spoke highly of them.

"The name is Jicca" Jicca said with a bow of her head. "Which destiny do you seek?"

Marik stretched his back as he slowly dragged himself off the cart he'd been riding on for the last few hours. He'd originally thought that his trip from New Stetven to Reston, the first time he'd ever left the city of his birth, had been long and difficult, but now he had a new standard by which to compare it.

He was definitely not spoiled, having grown up in the seedier section near the docks of Net Stetven and spending as much time living on the streets as he had living in the small hovel his mother's "work" could afford. He was also not lazy; he'd been working the docks since he was old enough to walk, and grifting the sailors since he was old enough to speak.

But this, this was different. A good different if he was honest with himself. This journey, as grueling as it was, represented the next chapter, really the first chapter after a disappointing prologue, of his life. Here, starting at this unassuming trade post he would begin his journey to claim what was due to him by virtue of his bloodline.

As he throws his backpack over his shoulder he overhears a conversation between two of his travelling companions and walks over to them. "I'm guessing many of us are here to find a destiny of one sort or another. This was not exactly a trip to be taken lightly. I'm Marik, originally from New Stetven."

Noticing that both new companion arrivals were blessed with attractiveness and dressed in a way that accented the looks without being ostentatious, he gave them both a semi-formal bow. Even his finer clothing was designed more for showmanship than elegance, and he had worn simple traveling clothes all throughout the journey. The hilt of the Aldori sword at his hip offering the only hint of ornamentation.

"Fame, fortune, and...freedom?" The last word coming out with a slight lilt. "That does sound promising, doesn't it?" He asked with a smile.

"Cassius Mordane, of Restov." He introduced himself. "Mostly just Cass, unless I have been caught filching pies."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Mon 16 Jan 2017.

Kethara chuckled and leaned her head against her staff. "The young always have a romantic notion about destiny. They treat it as a fickle mistress that must be tamed before she can escape! The future is much more placid and immutable. When you are older, you will understand that all things come in time," she said in a voice with the undeniable hint of amusement.

"I am Kethara of the Icerime Peaks, seeking something in these lands. I am not sure what it might be yet, though I am sure it will be revealed. I do know that fame and fortune are not my intent," she added in a serous tone. Her matronly features were much more apparent with the stern words and following countenance. The arctic fox seemed eager to join the conversation as it yipped and made a distinctly laughing sound. Kethara gave a glare at it and shook her head. "And this is Wendig, my travelling companion and friend. Also, I believe he is entertained by your bells, my dear. It is hard to narrow his excitement, but he has the same tastes as a magpie," Kethara finished by pointing to the weapon of Jicca.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:03, Mon 16 Jan 2017.

Tansy roused herself from the pile of blankets she'd buried herself in, yawning and rolling her shoulders. She climbed out after Marik, helping to unload both her pack and anyone else's that needed it, and then approaching Borric.

"M'lord, will you be needing a hand with the porting?"

She started to shift crates and barrels if she wasn't stopped, eager to assist the handsome knight. A forum on destiny began some distance away, and Tansy spat on the ground loudly and clearly

"There's to destiny, if I may be so bold as to say. We're here to forge wild to fields, turn rock and mud to food and hearth. Destiny, pah."

Wilderness as far as the eye can see, Mariam was used to this growing up in the wilds of the Eastern Borders of Brevoy. So was traveling, her people were at times nomadic. The seven foot tall half-orc had spent most of the trip with her stout nose in a book, spectacles framing her olive green face. She was wearing a simple cotton gown, woven into it the symbol of house Medvyed. Just noticing that they had stopped the seventeen year old closed her book, putting it away in a large backpack. Taking her bag Mariam got up,  tying her long curly hair up into a quick braid. She exited the cart. Noticing everyone standing there she blushed nervously and stooped trying to look smaller and less intimidating. "My name is Mariam, it is a pleasure to meet you all" she smiled, her underbite very apparent, one of her two protruding lower incisors chipped. "The light of Iomedae be upon you all" she spoke as she noticed the fox and her smile became even wider. Rummaging through her bag for a moment she took out a piece of salted pork and offered it to the little creature.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

Inside the Trade Post things are a bit better than they appeared from the outside.  While the buildings are clearly old, they show signs of recent repair,  and there has even  been some significant new work that turns the  four corner lookout points into small towers.  Life is certainly looking up here on the frontier.

However, now the small caravan has arrived back, life is also busy.  There are all sorts of items to be unloaded and stored – right down to a small anvil, bolts of cloth and various crafting tools that are unloaded and stored securely in the stables.

Henry de le Maistre appears to be in charge, he is in his 30s and has an air of authority about him.  You all know that he is the holder of the Charter that authorises him to ‘resolve’ the   bandit problem in this region.  And word on the street has it that his charter will be extended to start colonisation of the area.  However, he is distracted as he speaks with both Borric and Adoven.  You over hear his situation appraisal.  Cyrus has lead a group to try and claim a fort from some bandits.  Bai lead another group into the forest to negotiate with the fey while Tib and Big Job are out scouting and hunting to the west.  Plans are afoot to move large parts of the operation to the claim the bandit Fort, assuming that Cyrus and his team are successful.

Henry greets you briefly, and apologises for not spending more time with you.  Instead assigns you to the Bunk House as temporary accommodation, and suggests you look around and get a feeling for the place.  He promises to  spend more time with you later, but currently is caught up in  logistical issues in how to support the teams that are in  the field.  Indeed, he drifts off talking to Borric and Adoven about how he wants them to follow Cyrus and provide extra support.

Oleg and Svetlana are the owners of the trading post, and while Oleg oversees the unloading and storage, Svetlana shows  you the Bunk House  and then leaves to make sure there is enough dinner to feed every one.

-----------

OOC:  Folks -  this is a meet,  greet and chat amongst yourself time  :}  There are two reasons for this -  some players still need a bit of time to finalise character sheets – and I am going on vacation next week.  I will set up a number of Location threads for you to chat amongst yourselves, and get to know each other.

Lex helps unload the carts while Henry introduces himself to the newcomers. When Henry begins to discuss sending Borric and Adoven to help Cyrus and the others, Lex looks about and says, "I'll show you to the bunkhouse. It's right this way."

He leads those that choose to follow to the Bunkhouse.

Marik shrugs and follows Lex to the bunkhouse.

----------------
New Day
----------------

Rook and Lolli arrive with news that the Orcy Ring has been taken - and shortly afterwards Henry leaves with many of his entourage, to ensure the  security of this new base.

Henry takes his  those brave souls who had set out with him, as well as three of the reformed bandits who has proved their worth.  Adoven, Borric and Tib will certainly bolster the defences, as will Big Job who has proved himself reliable and more than capable in the field.  Brother Bart, Zach (who looks after the horses, and Black Jack (who showed that he is a competent cook on the trip to Restov) are brought along for day today support.

Rook and Lolli are told to rest after their long hard ride, and to make their way down again tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:22, Sat 11 Feb 2017.

Oleg’s is heaving – there are more people there than you ever thought possible.

Bai greets you at the gate to the trade post, and smiles up at Henry.   ”Welcome, My Lord.” she says demurely, her cheeks flushing slightly, ”I have much good news for you,”  She indicates  half a dozen tents that have been set up over by the Corral  ”These good people have traveled here from Restov and the rest of Brevoy, because they have heard rumours that you have tackled the bandits and that there is opportunity out here for them.  I have asked them to stay here for a while to help you.  Apparently, some bard has been traveling around singing tales of your merry men and their derring do!” She adds, still looking up at the leader of the band.

After a pause she continues  ”And Borric is back.  In brief he sorted out the pirate den on the slough.  He tells me the pirates are dead and the villagers returned to a normal life.  To ensure that he brought the hangers on with him.  He says they are misguided rather than anything else.  But the trade post is currently full of scantily clad young women,” she looks slightly irritated, ”Very forward young men,” she looks both embarrassed and irritated, ”And sundry other hangers on!

You quarters are ready for you, My Lord, but the other will have to be accommodated in the bunk house.  I already have extra people squeezed into the western towers, so I have asked  Borric  to move people out of the Guest House and into the stable, as a short term  measure to accommodate your entourage properly.  Svetlana is making fresh bread and some hot soup for you all.”

Bai, steps back and welcomes you into the trading post while waving a couple of people forward to take your horses and lead them to the corral.

”I am afraid you are all going to be squeezed into the guest house for tonight -  everything else is already full …”

Inside the Trading Post you can see people hurrying about to clear space for the arriving nobles, or just  hanging about, up on the walk ways, so that they can watch the arrival of nobles and their heroic followers.

Behind Bai you can see Adoven, ready (perhaps) to tell you all about his recent adventures.

---

For details of Oleg's see :-  http://rp.baileymail.net/doku....nd:middlemarch:olegs


Unless anyone has a pressing reason to stay here, we will only hang around for one or two rounds of posts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Sat 02 Sept 2017.

Andalon is glad to reach Oleg's without incident and the promise of space in the guest house for a good night's sleep. Penny the palfrey is a very placid horse and easy to ride but Andalon has never really developed the skills to feel comfortable in the saddle for so long.

After the greetings are over he goes looking for Pru and Oleg. The last time he was here - he has lost track of how many days ago that was - he had made arrangements with Oleg to buy some things the next time someone was sent to buy supplies from Restov. He had also started making arrangements with Pru for her to make him some clerical vestments and an embroidered altar cloth, so he went to check on progress and to pay off anything he owed them now.

OOC: Refer to msg #91 to msg #94 in this thread.
Adoven and Borrik would definitely have been back from their first supply trip to Restov. Has there been a second supply trip yet? That would determine whether Pru has the materials she needs for Andalon's clerical vestments and whether the banded mail and other items he asked Oleg to buy would be here yet.

OOC:

The two Characters mentioned  haven't been back to Restov - but there has been a second run into Restov and all the goods that have been ordered are waiting for you Oleg's.

When Andalon finds Pru, she says "It just needs a fitting and tidying up.  If you can manage the fitting tonight, I can heave it ready to take in the morning."

Andalon is delighted that Pru has managed to make his clerical vestments and he goes off with her for the fitting straight away. He gives her the money they had agreed for her excellent work and arranges to pick up that clothing in the morning.

Later he comes out from Oleg's store wearing the new suit of banded mail he had arranged for Oleg to buy from Restov. The chainmail he had got from the Orcy Ring fort and worn at the battle or Fort Stag is bundled up under his arm.

"Well, this chainmail can go back into our store of equipment available for anyone who can put it to good use. Does anyone here want to use it?" he asks.

He leaves it on the table for anyone interested to check it out.

Then he seeks out Cyrus and Valoria with a broad smile on his face. He hands them a tiny silk pouch.

"This is for you. I ordered your pair of signet rings from Restov for your wedding and they arrived while we were away at Fort Stag. They are engraved with the crest you have chosen."

Cyrus had finished with the horses and had cleaned up when he caught sight of Andalon in his new armor and carrying a small silk bag. He smiled as his cousin-to-be approached and held out his gift. "Andalon, your generosity is astounding. I can't thank you enough for the thoughtfulness of this gift. Valoria and I will wear them with pride and think fondly on our dear cousin. You have caught me a bit unprepared in terms of gifts, but perhaps when we return and are able, I can provide you with a horse trained for battle. I promise the first I train in Roughheart's image will be yours."

Cyrus had missed Bai's announcement of Borric's grand adventure, so when one of the scantily clad women passed by he nudged Andalon and said, "Perhaps we'll find a bride for you closer than we'd thought."

"Oh, no, I didn't pay for them. Valoria asked me to organise the rings and gave me the money to buy them with before we went south to take the two forts. I just organised it through Oleg. I have not yet arranged a wedding gift as I was more concerned about doing the ceremony justice out here on the frontier. Now that we are all going to Restov there will be much more opportunity to find something appropriate for your future together."

When Cyrus pointed out the scantily clad women in the fort Andalon blushed and shook his head.

"Selecting gifts is not the only thing that can wait until we reach Restov!"

Cyrus smiled, "Better even, though I do think I will stand by my gift unless you truly despise riding."

He laughed at the man's reaction to his nudge, "Indeed, perhaps patience truly is a virtue. Speaking of gifts though, I owe Sir Ferdinand a debt of gratitude that truly can't be calculated. If you'll both excuse me," he nods in deference to both of the Lebeda's he's addressing, "I do think I will go speak to him now and re-iterate my thanks."

He rose and walked over to where Sir Ferdinand was and said to the man, "I owe you a debt of gratitude the likes of which I doubt I'll be able to repay. Your generosity is astounding Sir Ferdinand. Roughheart is quite a steed and the training I received from your daughter was excellent. I am glad you are traveling with us to Restov, perhaps along the way we can discuss the Order of the Dragon a bit more. I would love to hear tales of your own days out in the wild."

Adoven strides up, a swagger in his step that wasn't evident before. A lute hanging around his neck is testimony to some changes in his life. "We had a bit of an adventure clearing out river pirates and freeing a village. You can see some of the women kept as virtual slaves there walking around. A better life for them here, I'd say. But the biggest surprise was that I actually have a talent for music....it's almost magical. But those stories can wait. I need to hear what you've  been doing. I need material for my new repetoire. Might have to throw in some fun though. You've already got the 'pensive' and 'brooding' down pat."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Sat 02 Sept 2017.

"Indeed." Henry says somewhat surprised.  Then he offers his arm to Bai, "Shall we, my dear?  I think a more detailed report of the activities here is in order."

Then with a smile he leads Bai off to wards his tower, calling over his shoulder  "I'll leave you all to your reminiscences for the moment."

"So, Adoven, are you the mysterious bard who has been singing our praises in Restov?" Andalon asks Adoven. "Or is it you or someone else that has passed on news of our successes to that mystery man? Either way it sounds like Henry has been well served by those songs. No doubt the new arrivals in the camp ourtide the gates here are thanks to those songs. Join us around the campfire tonight and we will happily share our tale with you."

Sir Ferdinand smiles across at Cyrus, and waves away any concept of debt.

”It gave my daughter a taste of the wider world, with someone whom I trusted to look after her.  And it also gave her chance to practice her training skills on someone who wouldn’t kowtow to her the moment they knew who she was.  And Roughheart was in need of a brave and upstanding rider.  It was a good deal all the way around.

As for the order of the Dragon, I would be delighted to tell you more.  Perhaps one day I might even convince you to join our elite band.  However, that will have to wait until we are on the ride back to Restov, for I suspect we should both attend to our women folks at the moment.  It looks like your fiancé has suffered in the field, and I should spend some time with my daughter.”

However, his gaze slides across to the Outpost’s wall, where Big Job lounges in the company of two of the scantily clad women from Drowned Trees.

Cyrus smiled and said, "I think I ended up with the better end of that deal, still. I owe you many thanks and would be more than glad to hear more about your order on the journey back to Restov."

He caught the man's gaze and wondered if it was one of disapproval or of longing. He recalled a similar look from the man earlier and considered asking the man about Alex's mother but figured he wouldn't pry, not now.

"Indeed, I should go back and see to Valoria, she saw much in the field and I'm not sure she knows what to do with all of that."

And with that Cyrus bowed his head in deference to the great warrior and took his leave for the evening.

Returning to Valoria's side, he wrapped his arm around her and said, "I do hope you aren't too lost in thought this evening to enjoy dinner and stories by the fire. Perhaps telling your story will help you come to terms with what you saw and what we all did."

Returning from seeing to Lolli stabling the horses and feeding them, Vik approached the group talking with her armoured coat open glad to be close to civilization or what passed for it again. Holding up a bottle of wine she'd bought from the hermit they encountered, she smiled

"Perhaps a toast around the fire tonight is in order?"

"I think I will be ok, my dear soon to be husband. As long as I have you...and my maid of honor by my side, life seems to going very well." Valoria nodded Vik and went back to the work she was about to do. Valoria took out the green ring and poured herself a glass of wine. Her owl, Muninn popped out of her robe, almost as if summoned, a feather being held in his claws. Taking the feather with thanks, Valoria drops the feather into the wine and begins repeating the words, "Quod Verum!" Slowly the feather begins to melt into the wine, changing the red wine into an almost bright golden color. Drinking the golden colored wine down, Valoria eyes and the eyes of Muninn glowed like a hot fire. Valoria and the owl both looked down at the ring, trying to uncover it's secrets.

OOC: Spellcraft check to identify the properties of the green ring. Casting Identify(+10). :)
 03:12, Today: Valoria der lin Lebeda rolled 37 using 1d20+22.  Spellcraft(identify green ring).

The wine sizzles softly as the feather dissolves.

Ron stepped unto the grounds of the trading posts with a spear over his right shoulder and a raccoon by his side, and looked around. The place looked like it could use someone like him to fix things up. 'Now to just find who was in charge around here.'

Oleg’s has had a lot of work done on it in recent weeks, and it is starting to look in reasonable condition – although there is still plenty of work to do.  The main building are all watertight, although they could do with a lick of paint both inside and out.  However, it is the four towers that need most work.  Originally open backed, lookout points,  enclosing walls and a rough floor has been added to turn them into habitable buildings.  However, there are chinks in the walls that let the wind in, the rooves have leaks and a rickety ladder connects the two floors.

It is quieter here than a few days ago.  Then it was humming with activity as Borric and his group returned from their expedition to Drowned Trees and their defeat of the piratical bandit group that worked from there.   They had rescued a whole group of people from that village and brought them back to Midmarch -  as this land was now known.  There had been settlers as well, pioneers who had made their own way down here, most on foot with their few possession loaded onto a couple of mules or a pack horse.  One or two had been driving small herds of sheep, other had chickens in crates, all had tools of one type or another -  all hoping to claim a stake for themselves in this new word.   But they had moved on, Borric had lead them onto the Orcy Ring, with the intention of sending some on to Fort Stag, and only a few were left behind.

Oleg and Svetlana tended to be busy running the outpost proper – while Percy Arndell. One of henry’s men, seemed to be in charge of everything else.

---

PERCY:  You are staying in Henry’s Tower – The ground floor is the ‘office’ and has a crude table with a chair and a couple of stools.  The ‘living room’ is upstairs, with a large double palliasse  a couple of stools and a low table. 

RON:  You can  stay in Guest Tower.  It is unfurnished apart from a number of straw/grass filled mattresses that make ‘camping out’ here a bit more comfortable. 

GENERAL: Svetlana cooks flatbreads for breakfast each morning and there is some sort of stew for dinner. (lots of cabbage and root veg with whatever small game gets brought in)

http://rp.baileymail.net/doku...._land:midmarch:olegs

Each tower room is approx. 15x15 (internal dimensions) with a rickety ladder leading from the ground floor room to the upper floor.  They are droughty and have minor leaks in rainy weather. Ceilings are about 10 feet high -  no windows.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:46, Sun 29 Oct 2017.

Percy was enjoying the chance of a sit down.  A rest would be better but the books wouldn't keep themselves and Henry, his Lord and Master was quite particular about such things.  Perhaps he didn't want to know what each individual nail had cost, but the Lord Warden of the Middle March liked to know that someone was keeping an eye on such things and that there had been a proper accounting.

Still, even the travails of the paperwork enabled the young gentleman to put his feet up (quite literally, one of the stools being pressed into service) as he tends to the books, and provided a welcome break from hammering nails himself or overseeing Keston Garess's men as they laboured away with rather less enthusiasm than skill.

Today, at least, it was quiet, the air free of the constant pounding as his labour force were off felling more trees which would be turned into more logs and planks and ...

A movement catches Percy's eye (the desk in here fortuitously, or knowing the Lord-Dominus, undoubtedly not a happy accident) positioned to provide a line of sight out of the door and down the sheltered cover of the ramparts above to the main gate, where a man with a spear and ... what might be a large cat had just entered the trading post.

With a sigh, Percy's feet vacated the stool as the young gentleman stood, quickly fastening on his sword belt and adjusting it so the hilt of his blade sat easily at his side.  The man did not have the air of a bandit (and they still got the occasional stray coming in, preferring to trust to Henry's mercy than risk the fate that had befallen those who had resisted the imposition of law and order in these lands), nor of a villager ...

"Oh. Welcome to the Trade Post - you are after the services of good master Oleg, or ... ?"

The question was left hanging, but Percy had no qualms in offering his hand to the stranger as he waited upon a response.

Looked the man over. The belted sword and soft looking hands of a scribe spoke of a functionary. Not necessarily a bad thing ... yeah.

"My name is Ron. Nice place you got here. I am an independent contractor looking for work. Who do I talk to around here?"

Percy's lip quirks at the man's response.  "The Lord-Dominus Henry de la Maistre is the one you need ... but he's not here right now.  Not sure when he's expected back, I'm afraid."

"There's a few of us ... how did you put it ?  'Independent contractors' working for the Lord Warden.  I'm 'minding the store', and can hire workmen and the like, but if I'm understanding you correctly, you're looking for something with a bit more excitement," the young gentleman's tone is wistful, surprising even himself, as he finds the current daily grind rather humdrum and misses, though he'd never thought he'd say it, the thrill of the adventure.

"This place ?  Still a 'work in progress', I'm afraid.  Oleg and Svetlana run the trading post."

Excitement meant a totally different thing to Ron "Look, I can see that this place is a mess and needs lots of work. So, I going to start on the gate and move on to other things as I finish. Now, where is the spare lumber and blacksmithy. I did not get a chance to make a set of good tools yet and may have to do with the stuff you have rusting around here."

Svetlana looks up from the fire where she is tending a pot.

After getting no reaction for the scribe, Ron sees a woman making dinner. 'Now there is a woman who should know what things are about.'

Ron steps around the man and heads toward the woman tending the pot "Good day mam. Name is Ron. I fix things that need fixing and make thing that need to be made. How can I be of service to you and this outpost? I see the gate needs maintenance and I am sure plenty of other things can use a fixing touch. A meal in payment would be welcome. My services are well worth the price."

Percy shrugs as the impatient fellow hurries off, watching as he approaches Svetlana, and, as he offers barters his services for a meal, deciding the man poses no threat, spear or no.  Not that the real ruler of the outpost would need the young gentleman's protection, as he's seen her force demon-spawn to retreat with the full force of her invective !

With a shrug and a sigh at the thought of the still waiting paperwork, Percy returns to the office.  He'd have offered the fellow fair coin, of course, but if he prefers to work for but a meal, it would be churlish to deprive him of the chance to demonstrate his altruism.

Svetlana looks up from her cooking as Ron approaches and listens to comments, and points to a table and bench.  "Sit down for a moment.  I'll get Oleg."

Before she heads off though, she hands Ron a flat-bread from a small stack on a plate close to her.  It has cooled now, but it is left overs from this mornings breakfast.

A few moments later, Svetlana returns with an older, balding, man.  Oleg looks Ron over and then asks, "Svetlana tells me you want to fixup the gate for your meals?"

The gate itself is fairly sturdy, however, like many of the outer walls, it made of tree trunks fixed together.  In this case they are small and light enough to work as a gate (rather than the larger trunks that make up the palisade) - but it is still rough workmanship.

Ron stands to shake Oleg's hand. A man running a place like this deserved his respect. "Yes sir. I see there are a lot of things that could use some adjustments and care around here and you may not have the time. I am a carpenter by trade, although I do many things. I figured I can show you some of my skills and we could come to an arrangement."

Carpenter. Percy notes in the ledger, considering making a note about the man's metalworking skills but deciding to wait and see the quality of his workmanship first. Name of Ron.  Followed by the date.  Another body to house, but at least the man could prove useful in making the towers habitable, if Svetlana's cooking convinces him to stay on.  The young gentleman smiles.  Wouldn't be the first and won't be the last.  Certainly none that had left the outpost by choice ever complained about the food.

Oleg shakes the offered hand, with a firm but not overpowering grip.  "A carpenter, eh?  And you think the gate needs fixing up?  fair enough.  There is some timber in the main  shed," and he points to the large shed in front of the barn, "As well as nails and few tools.  Make sure you put any tools you use back where you find them, mind!" he says leaning forward and looking under his brows.  "That gets you dinner and a bed for tonight, and then we'll see ..."

A group of people arrive - Perhaps a dozen adults and four or five children - they have half a dozen sheep and a pack mule with them.  Even the sheep have bundles of gear tied to them. Almost every body looks exhausted from carrying large backpacks and small children.

One man, armed with a spear, calls, "Who is in charge here?"

Spying the new arrivals, Percy stifles a groan as he gets to his feet once more.  "No rest for the morally-challenged," he mutters wryly to himself, setting aside the ledger and buckling his swordbelt on.

The group certainly do not look like the average bandit horde of his recent acquaintance, though the size of the group will certainly stretch the resources of the outpost and seem very much like an invasion to those currently in residence, but ne'ertheless the young gentleman has a smile on his face as he strides forwards to greet them.

"Oh. Welcome to the Trade Post.  I'm Percy Arndell ... duly appointed representative of the Lord Warden Henry de la Maistre.  Very pleased indeed to meet you," he offers his hand to the spear-carrier (another carpenter ?) with nods and smiles all round to the other adults and children.