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."