Gustav, Judoc, Rondald and Terri stand shoulder to shoulder in their finest clothes, Terri having even bought a new dress for the occasion, though they still feel very much out of place.

The hallway around them was forty feet wide and rose in arches that were twenty or more feet high.  The whole of it was decorated with tapestries, stained glass, and chandeliers with real bees wax candles.  The man across from them was likely no better in station than they were, a footman if Gustav was to guess - though the man was dressed in pristine livery, the white of his shirt crisp and flawless with stark contrast to the black jacket and tails.  He wore a bowtie that was a sort of mid-summer sky's blue, the sort of color that one never saw outside of a flower, and yet here it was adorning a man's collar.  It distracted.

After traveling the weeks long journey from Three Corners to Craine at the behest of Duke Bran, who had relayed a message that he was intending on rewarding the group that had allayed the threat of the Necromancer in al-Wazif, it had still been another week after the four had arrived in the city before they had received a formal invitation to the castle.  They had arrived that morning, just after the break of dawn, only to wait for several hours in a sitting room then to be hurried off into the Duke's formal chambers... a throne room of sorts...

The man, Thomas as it were, had been talking to them for the last five or so minutes about etiquette, a subject which made Rondald's head spin, though Judoc and Gustav had at least some experience in other social hierarchies.

...When he approaches, you bow, right arm under your chest, palm up, head and shoulders down to about shoulder height.  Make sure it's deep enough, if not your are insulting him, though if you go too deep you are just embarrassing yourself, he's not a king after all."  Thomas looks over to Terri, gesturing with his hand.  "You curtsy, head and eyes down, left foot behind right, down to shoulder height as well...  Let him speak first, he knows you are coming and he has something planned, though if he talks to you, don't act the fool and say nothing, he's not always the most patient.  Make sure you don't turn your back to him.  He'll dismiss you when you can leave, when that happens, two steps back before you turn, it wouldn't hurt to bow again, though you don't have to worry about it being deep enough this time it's more of just a courtesy after all."

Thomas takes a moment to catch his breath, scanning the four before his eyes land on Rondald.  "Just so you know, the full court is here today, including the formal guards so don't make any moves that are too sudden, we don't want to give anyone the wrong impression.  I know they took your weapons at the door..."  And indeed, they had taken all the weapons - Gustav was quite annoyed to have to entrust the under butler with the black sword.  "But still that's no reason to say you can just make people as jumpy as you want.  Best you just keep your movements slow and predictable."

From behind Thomas, another man in livery appears, leaning over the footman's shoulder as he says, "He's ready." loud enough for the others to hear.

"Excellent."  Thomas responds with a turn of his head before walking around Gustav and brushing at the swordsman's shoulder as if swiping off a bit of offending dust.  "Off you go then.  Good luck."

The four walk, side by side along the plush, red carpet, turning together at the wide, open doorway and into the room beyond.

The place is massive, with vaulted ceilings that reach high into the air, forty feet or more.  Either side of the room is lined by various men and women in dress that puts all four to shame.  Men with starched shirts and gold buttons, epaulets and fringe.  Women wear dresses of the deepest reds and greens, their ears and necks bedecked in sparkling gems with hair that more often than not is shaped upwards on their head into elaborate shapes as opposed to Terri, who wears hers down in a tight woven plait.

"Ah!"  Duke Bran no doubt is at the end of the carpeted walk, standing up from a thick and ornate wooden chair.  "Our heroes!"  The duke begins to walk towards Gustav, Judoc, Rondald and Terri even as they approach, his arms are stretched out ahead of him.  "I hear I am to thank you for preventing an invasion of our border!  No small feat!  Come, tell me of your amazing deeds!"

OOC:  It is 1000 on June 13th, 2005.  You guys made it back to Three Corners about two weeks ago, then nearly immediately left for Craine when you received word that Duke Bran wanted to reward those responsible for defeating the Necromancer.  Finn departed you guys at al-Hassan, and was not aware of the call.  Magnus opted to stay at the fort, as he didn't trust that the duke's good will would carry on to a minotaur, nor that he would get along well in a new city.

Terri's arm is now healed and she is no longer wearing a sling.  All of your weapons were taken at the door, though if you wish you can still be wearing your armor.  Terri is not.  Everyone has the option to roll against Savoire-Faire (high society).  Those with another version of Savoire-Faire may roll at a default of -2 based on all the guidance you have gotten from Thomas, otherwise you are on your own not to make a fool out of yourself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:47, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

Judoc hadn't asked for this. He had wanted to be back on his way to Azer as soon as possible to give his report to Baron Graves and resume his study at the Templar College of Battle Magic. This side excursion to meet Duke Bran, though potentially lucrative for the right persons, did not interest Judoc in the slightest. It was a pity Finn had not received the summons. The man would have leapt at the chance to schmooze with someone apparently as rich as the Duke. Perhaps Gustav, Rondald, and Terri might benefit from this meeting, but for Judoc, he was only going to be polite.

The hours-long wait in the sitting room had done little to improve Judoc's mood. He had only half-listened as Thomas rattled off his crash course in manners. Judoc was no fool. He knew how to conduct himself in social situations. Bow, say "Your Grace" and "Sire," let the Duke do the talking. Judoc nodded perfunctorily at Thomas's reminder that they not make any offensive moves. Judoc wasn't going to summon a fire elemental, if that's what Thomas was worried about. Not that Judoc could summon one, but he knew bloody well enough not to.

Now, as he walks down the plush carpet lined on either side by supremely well dressed lords and ladies, Judoc feels the tinge of a blush creep over his ears and nose. Bloody hell. Invite the rustics in, pat them on the head, and thank them for putting down the rabid dogs, eh? Maybe he should summon that fire elemental after all.

When Bran approaches, Judoc greets him with "Your Grace,", bowing nonchalantly, though not bothering to follow Thomas's ridiculously convoluted method of bowing. "Thanks for your invitation, sire. Yeah, it was nothing. Just a couple of necromancers, a demon, an army of Wazifi, ghosts, giant ants, monstrous golems. All in a day's work." Kill me now, he thinks. Of the thousands of ways he could be spending his time right now, he has to perform for this pompous stuffed shirt. The sooner this is over and Judoc is back on the road, the better.

Gustav Bows as deeply as asked, with his right hand against his heart. Mumbles Your Grace  and lets Judoc do the talking.

The four approach Duke Bran - Gustav slightly hesitant, though Judoc is ready and willing to take up the bulk of the conversation, bowing haphazardly as he answers the duke in the most succinct way he can muster while keeping his surliness to a modicum.

As for the other two, Terri curtsies neatly, just as instructed, though when she realizes that the occasion has brought her husband to a sort of stupor, she jabs Rondald sharply in the ribs with her elbow, causing the sailor to catch his breath and double over slightly, just close enough to a bow to possibly be genuine.

"Ha!"  Bran laughs at Judoc's response though it isn't clear as to whether he thinks Judoc is kidding him.  "Come, come!  Billius!  Bring the gifts!"  The duke turns around again walking back towards his small dais where he is met by another man in livery holding a small pillow.

"Ah!  Good!"  The duke turns around as the four make their way approximately to where Thomas had advised them to stop.  The duke raises his voice, now addressing the whole court.  "Ladies and Gentlemen!  For those of you who are not aware, these four have just returned from an adventure most perilous!  For just beyond our southern border nested a foul necromancer who was plotting all of our demise!"  Bran stops for a second craning his neck as he stares down the whole court.  A series of gasps can be heard from several of the ladies.

"Undaunted!  And seeking to protect our lands these four set forth, and slew the foul wizard in his own lair, saving us all!"  The Duke brings his own two hands together, starting a round of generous applause, which Bran quiets after a few moments.

"And so I have asked them here today to reward them, for protecting our borders, for ridding our world of such a foul menace, and... for those who have lived through the border wars feel all too well... for averting war with our neighbor to the South."

Grabbing a small token from the pillow, Bran walks up to Judoc first.  "Judoc... is that right?  Comes from our own academy of Templar Knights!  No doubt well on his way to his knight's cross at that.  The good Viscount,"  The Duke turns his head to someone in the court, winking his eye.  "Informs me that it is not for me to reward you, that the Templars do not act for the desire of earthly goods...  Well, we'll show him."  The Duke walks up to Judoc, pinning a small badge on his chest.  "Master Dehogue has indulged me in allowing to bestow honorary membership to the mage's guild...  If the Templar's thrust you out,"  Bran smiles.  "Know that you have a ready home here."

"And our swordsman!  Gustav Du Meseries!  Our Araterrean friend.  No doubt your blade was the very one to slay the fiend."  The Duke walks back to the pillow held by his servant, pulling another, larger medal.  "I confer upon you Honorius's Cross, a high decoration."  The duke roughly pats Gustav on the shoulder once the medal is pinned and then looks towards Rondald.

"And our captain!  A man of the services and no doubt the leader of our expedition!  It is Rondald Bertrand we must thank for ridding this world of the scourge and there is but one honor that suffices to recognize it.  Rondald Bertrand, kneel."

OOC:  In game terms, Judoc has earned the ability to study magic freely (and for free) in Craine, while Gustav has earned a +2 reputation (When wearing, or to those who know you have won the medal).  Apologies as well for the delay in your thread.  I was waiting on Rondald, but I probably needn't have done so for as long as I did.
 Everybody is busy these days.  I'll keep you guys moving from now on.


Gustav's Decoration
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:03, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Thank You Your Grace, You are much too generous.


OOC - as usual, the uninvolved swordsman, out with numerous wounds, get the award ...  surely it should be Magnus's award.

Rondald was a man of action, and right now he missed it. He listened closely to Thomas, and tried to follow instructions, but his heart would rather be far away. He was quite capable of fighting without his weapons, and honestly would have found it easier than all the formalities, so he was glad to let Judoc do all the talking.

But when Judocs description was just a sentence or two, he felt obliged to add something.

"The necromancer was only part of the problem, sire. A suble demon had taken possession of his mind, and sought to open gates to release beasts from hell on the world, naively believing he could control them enough to target us. We, along with two of our friends who  could not be here, ended quest as well as the necromancer and the demon."

Rondald kneels when asked, a little uneasy at being referred to as leader...

OOC, Sorry about the delay. I had a post sent before I saw you had continued, but it seems to have arrived late...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:13, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

Bran smiles as Rondald uneasily takes to his knee, though he offers nothing in response to Rondald's addition to the story.

"This land is much in need of brave men, leaders who can thwart the forces of hate and violence that rattle at our gates.  I have no doubt that these men have avoided, or at least weakened a war effort that broiled and churned just miles from our border.  We must reward those who demonstrate the moral courage to take this threat head on, who do not waver in their resolve nor plead for help and resources in their task.  Those who have the will to act must be given the authority and the responsibility to do so."

Bran takes his eyes from Rondald, surveying the crowd around him for a moment, before he draws his sword, a beautiful thin encrusted with light blue sapphires on the hilt, and lays the flat softly on Rondald's shoulder.

"And so, I dub the Sir Rondald Bertrand, Knight of the Order of Saint George."  The sword climbs up and over Rondald's head, laying flat on his other shoulder for a moment before it drops back down and is quickly resheathed by the Duke.

"Rise, sir Rondald.  You may introduce yourself to the court." The duke widens his gaze to the other three, seeming to notice Terri for the first time.  "Please feel free to make yourselves at home for this afternoon.  There are many here who wish to thank you for your services.  Unfortunately, there is much to attend to and I must be off."

The duke smiles happily, casting his eyes over all four.  "Well..."  He begins to turn his back and walk towards the servant still standing with the large pillow a few steps behind.

OOC:  Rondald, your reward is a raise in status to 2 (unlanded knight).   Everyone feel free to post some sort as you wish, no action is required and there will be significant fast forwarding if none is taken, including some of you being removed from the thread.  As an admin note, Rondald mentioned his character's discomfort, but frankly, even if Finn had been here, Rondald would have likely taken all of the credit for the mission.  In this day and age, nobles often assume the person of greatest patronage was the person responsible, which would be Rondald.  Yes, Gustav is status 1 as well, but he is also foreign, and biases are what they are.  It also makes me a little happy on the inside that Finn's character (not player) would explode when he realized he got no credit for leading that massive endeavor.

Gustav will seek to slip out as soon as he can, as being a foreigner, he is very concerned about making a faux pas.

And he likes the pretty girls, which is another fine way to get in BIG trouble here.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:34, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

"Thank you, your grace," Judoc had said simply, accepting the honorary membership. He had not expected something like this. Membership in Craine's Mages Guild wasn't half bad. This should have gone to Finn, though, not Judoc. He wonders who the Viscount is--a Templar, perhaps? Judoc makes a mental note to introduce himself to the man before he leaves if he has a chance.

He had raised an eyebrow when the Duke had identified Gustav as the one who slew Haj Umr. Obviously the Duke had not done his due diligence to find out what had happened, or he would have known that it had been Judoc's Flame Jet that had defeated the necromancer. He can almost see the old man's Darkness spell overwhelm him as Judoc jabbed his fiery blade into the necromancer's heart. Still, in truth it had been a group effort.

But to have Rondald recognized as the leader of the expedition? Finn wasn't here, but the man had brought them through in one piece, and Judoc feels the slight of the Duke's words against the absent Finn.

"Is this how matters of the court usually shake out?" he says quietly to Terri. "The Duke didn't even acknowledge your contributions at all, and you were right in front of him. Apparently no one told him about Magnus, Finn, Giles, Bjorn, or Odelia."

To Rondald, Judoc bows slightly. "Congratulations, Sir Rondald," he says wryly in a normal tone of voice. Turning to Gustav, Judoc looks curiously at the medal conferred on the Arraterran. "Very nice, Gustav," Judoc says. "I've heard it said that 'a soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon.' Well done."

Now Judoc scans the crowd, looking for the Viscount that the Duke had spoken of.

OOC: Judoc wants to talk to the Viscount the Duke pointed out. There's no need to RP a conversation, but Judoc would like to introduce himself and find out if the Viscount has a link to the Templars. (Is he a Templar himself, or does he simply have an opinion of them?)

Judoc would also like to introduce himself to the Master of the Mages' Guild if Master Dehogue is present.

Gustav looks down his nose at Judoc Thanks, we shall see what is worth in the next days, but pretty doodads are worthless generally.

Though Judoc asks Terri, trying to discern if the duke's treatment of her is normal, Terri does not seem to want to really answer the question.  Instead, she turns slightly pink, shaking her head rather vigorously for a moment before turning her attention back to Rondald who is being congratulated by another of the members of the court.

Though Gustav and Rondald are offered to stay longer and mingle with the other nobles, both of them feel somewhat awkward at the proposition, making their excuses to leave early, and Terri seems rather thankful to leave as well.

Judoc however, remains, searching for the viscount that the duke had mentioned...

It is several handshakes later when Judoc spots an older, bald man with a short-cropped grey beard and the familiar Knight's Cross (complete with several decorations) displayed on his chest.

"Ah,"  The man smiles, holding out a hand for Judoc to shake.  "Congratulations young master.  Viscount Archibald Tenesworth."  The man inclines slightly in greeting as he shakes hands.  "I had heard the college was sending one of their students...  Quite a feat your party has accomplished.  The Duke is certainly quite pleased.  Tell me, are you still at the college?  Or recently graduated?"

Gustav and Rondald leave the thread.

OOC:  There are some things I am trying to get out of this conversation, so humor me please Judoc and play it out a little bit.  If your character is looking for networking this is a good opportunity for him to build up his social connections.  Feel free to take the conversation anywhere you think Judoc would want to steer it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:22, Wed 15 Apr 2020.

"At your service, your Lordship." Judoc takes the offered hand and shakes it, bowing forward a bit as he does so. "In truth, the four of us were not the only ones on our expedition. I am still a student at the Battle College, and Baron Graves, our headmaster, tasked me and another mage from the Mage's Guild in Azer to investigate. Besides my fellow mage, we had several others among our group. But it was a very strange journey nonetheless."

Judoc wonders what brings Viscount Tenesworth to Craine, and what kind of man he is. Is the Viscount a man more in the mold of Loke and Graves, or does he bear more semblance to Templars like Raisalter?

"How do you find Craine? Is this your official post, or do you have ancestral lands here?"

OOC: Just to clarify, the viscount is wearing the Knight's Cross, right?

"Yes."  The man nods as Judoc goes into some of the details of the mission.  "I had heard there was a little more to it than just storming off to the south and taking down an evil wizard."  The man smirks, though the smile fades after a moment.  "Though perhaps when you get as old as I you will start to wonder just how many of the populace view you in quite the same light.  In any regards, you have done quite a service for the Duke... and though things may not have played out quite equitably know that this moment, and indeed your rewards, was likely just as much or him than it was for you."

The viscount pauses for a moment, smiling at a passing noble.

"Ha!"  The viscount laughs when Judoc talks of his position and lands.  "Yes, I have some lands in these parts, populated with more goats and sheep than men however.  I feel the Templars have imagined I have gotten a bit old to be riding about... they have done me the service of allowing me to stay near my home, and provide them a service here in Craine.  It seems as good of a post as any, besides all this."  The viscount gestures towards the crowds of men and women, chatting and plotting all around them.

Judoc is somewhat surprised to find that he can no longer find Rondald, Gustav, or Terri.

"Viscount!"  A man calls from a half the room away.  Tenesworth, turns his head a half turn towards the noise, though he quickly rolls his eyes and redoubles his attention on Judoc.

"So you must be returning with haste then yes?  It is no short trip to Azer...  and depending on the ship and how often they must port, you may be cutting the start of classes rather fine..."

OOC:  Yes and sorry for the confusion.  The previous post has been edited.  The Viscount has his knights cross, complete with oak leaves, swords, and diamonds.  The only other two you have seen that high of a decoration on has been Graves and Loke.

Nodding, Judoc cannot help but agree, at least in part, with what Tenesworth says, and he suspects the similarities run deeper than mere superficialities. What truly separates men like Loke and Graves from Haj Umr? All three crave or craved power and seemed willing to cross any line to take hold of it. And was there much difference between Judoc and Finn and the late Mika'il? Again, all three desire--or desired--knowledge. Yes, Judoc would not resort to making pacts with demons to acquire that knowledge, but such ethical considerations would no doubt be beyond most non-practitioners of magic.

Judoc also does not doubt that this entire ceremony was primarily for Duke Bran's benefit. The lord had not bothered to learn all the facts of the situation and seemed clueless regarding the threat Haj Umr had posed.

What might the Viscount do here in service of the Templars? For all Judoc's familiarity with the Battle College and its mission of draining Imperial battle mages, Judoc knows far less about the Templars' work outside the realm of the military. "Craine is quite important strategically, I'd think," he offers. "Caithness to the west, al-Wazif to the south. In times of war, this city seems like it would be a key position to hold."

Looking around, Judoc finds that the others have left the reception. He is surprised that Rondald and Gustav did not stick around longer to schmooze with those who might want to know more of their escapades.

At the Viscount's question, Judoc nods his head. "Yes, milord, that's correct. I've already missed one semester of classes, and I'm keen to not try Baron Graves's patience with a prolonged absence."

The Viscount nods his head as Judoc speaks of the strategic location.  "To a degree.  Though in truth New Jerusalem is the front against Caithness and Raphael against al-Wazif, at least now that Bannock is no longer ours.  The rivers Conn and Smoke provide a significant boundary for us as well.  Craine has found itself in the enviable position of being near the frontier, funneling manpower and material, though without the misfortune of actually having to fight over its own land.  It has allowed us to bounce back rather quickly from the Frontier War, something that Bannock has taken significantly longer to do."

"Viscount!"  The same voice calls again from just behind Judoc's shoulder.  Judoc turns to find a rather short and puffy faced man with flaming red hair and close cropped beard.  "Viscount!  Did you hear that Archibald has been accepted to the college?"

"Well done to him."  Tenesworth says with little enthusiasm in his voice.  "Master Judoc here is just about to start another year as well, we were just discussing his plans for return."

The man nods in Judoc's direction.  Though the room is quite comfortable, the man has rivulets of sweat dribbling down his forehead.  His demeanor is slightly reddened, like a pale turnip.  Perhaps a side effect of the thick frock and massive lace collar, Judoc muses to himself.  The man smiles, putting a hand towards Judoc and starting to introduce himself.  "Baron Vie..."

"I had just been meaning to say."  Tenesworth cuts the Baron off almost as soon as he had started.  The Baron stops speaking, turning his attention to the Viscount.

"That I might be able to help you there."  The Viscount continues, his attention set upon Judoc.  "To return I mean.  I'm not sure if you are familiar with gate magic?  It is normally quite tricky, especially at distance, though there are certain physical objects of divine power that are linked in ways more substantial than just physical space.  As such, it can become much easier to form gates that connect such places.  It just so happens that the cathedral here in Craine has just such an object, as does the chapel at the Templar College.  If you wish, I can offer my services and send you there so that you can skip the months long journey."

"Excellent!"  The Baron injects before Judoc has a chance to answer.  "And perhaps Archibald can join in if it's no extra trouble!  You could do him the favor of showing him the ropes!  You know, just until he gets his feet!"

Judoc listens with interest as the Viscount discusses Craine's strategic placement. One of the young mage's gaps in his knowledge is in strategy, and though he has been meaning to spend at least some time studying the subject, his magical training has so far taken precedence. Perhaps when he is back in Azer at the College, he can branch out a bit.

At his elbow, Judoc hears a man again calls out to Tenesworth, and turning, Judoc finds himself facing a rather odd looking fellow, a sharp contrast to the cool, collected Viscount. Judoc does not catch the baron's name, but Judoc bows nonetheless and takes the man's offered hand. In doing so, he notes Tenesworth's apparent disdain for both this baron and presumably the baron's son and resolves to not be overly friendly with the newcomer. The son of a baron would no doubt be an insufferable prick, though from Tenesworth's response, this Archibald would be no Andros Wilmer.

However, what he hears next drives all thoughts of the baron's foppishness out of Judoc's head. Gate magic? Judoc raises an eyebrow in surprise. Of course he had heard of Gate magic before, but it was thought to be very difficult on Yrth. It was easy enough for others to be brought to Yrth via the Banestorm, but apparently the Banestorm made things quite tricky.

A scowl almost forms before Judoc pushes it back down. Though the Baron seems annoying, it would not do to offend someone of nobility. "I would be indebted to you, Viscount," Judoc says gratefully. "I've had my fill of land travel, at least for the present, and I would very much like to see Gate magic in action." Archibald will no doubt be soon sneering at Judoc, but the young wizard says magnanimously, "And of course, Baron. Should Archibald have any questions regarding the College, I would be more than happy to indulge him."

"Excellent!"  The baron responds, even before the viscount has the chance.  He grins broadly, staring between Judoc and Tenesworth, "Excellent!"

Tenesworth seems to hesitate for a moment, appraising the Baron with a calculating look.  "Indeed."  The viscount finally finishes, his expression relaxing for a moment into a resigned smile.  "Of course Archibald will be welcome to come, undoubtedly there will be much that Judoc can teach him even if their time together his short."

"The college does not much condone the arbitrary mixing of the underclass with their seniors."  Tenesworth adds, when the baron seems confused by the response.

"In any case,"  Tenesworth turns back to Judoc.  "I have many things to attend to, but it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance.  Shall we meet again, let's say sundown tomorrow at the cathedral?"

OOC:  I'm happy to fast forward if you wish, or you can continue to role play, ask questions, mingle, etc.  If you do wish to fast forward, please double check your character sheet and edit appropriately for what you want to take with you heading to the college, and how you want to carry it.

Navigating social circumstances is not an area that Judoc has much practice in. He feels a slight unease between his desire to make a favorable impression on Tenesworth and a reluctance to irritate or antagonize Baron V. Already, images are started to form of the Baron's son Archibald. There is a good chance that the young lordling is an insufferable prick. Judoc has met quite a few already of that sort in the Battle College. Too, he wonders about the oddness of the son's name. Was it a coincidence that the boy shares the same name as the Viscount? Very odd. There seems to be quite a bit going on under the surface here in Craine from the brief observations Judoc has already been able to make.

"Viscount, it has been an honor," Judoc says, making a short bow to Tenesworth. "I shall see you tomorrow at sundown." The young mage makes a mental note to arrive half an hour before so that he does not keep the Viscount waiting. "Baron," he says to the other man, making a small bow as well as Judoc prepares to take his leave.

OOC: I'm happy to fast forward unless there's anything else you wish to explore. Judoc will spend the rest of his time in Craine taking walks in the city and in the surrounding countryside. He will stop in at the Mage's Guild. He will also want to spend some time with Gustav, Rondald, and Terri before he goes, perhaps over a meal at a tavern, and he will let them know should they require his services again, to send a letter to Azer. He will let them know that he will always offer them hospitality should they need it.

Judoc bids goodbye to the Viscount and likewise the baron hurries off with a brief adieu, not bothering or even noticing that he had never actually truly introduced himself.  The social scene has made its impressions on Judoc, impressions which were certainly more complex, though perhaps no more positive than his initial apprehension of the event.

Judoc takes a moment to search the room for Terri, Gustav, and Rondald, though to his dismay he finds that all three have taken an earlier leave than him.  While Judoc makes some ado of searching for the three, he isn't able to find Rondald and Terri, who went to another inn for some reason.  He does manage to track down Gustav, and have one last supper with him at the swankiest tavern that the two have found.  Judoc exchanges pleasantries and a handshake and sets off for an evening stroll around the city.

The sun hangs low on the city skyline, setting the few buildings with glass windows ablaze in red reflection.  Though Azer is a city nearly as large as Craine, Judoc can't but help feel that he will be missing something there.  Perhaps his life will take a turn for towards serenity?  While the college had been no walk in the park, Judoc could not help but think that there was little it could throw at him to best a feared necromancer and an ancient tomb of horrors!

The past seemed all upheaval and chaos.  The future, perhaps, would be less so.

It is with all this in his mind that Judoc resigns to his room at the inn, his mind filled with warm memories and burgeoning hope for the future.

The next day does not start off well.  Almost as soon as he wakes, Judoc can feel the sores and ulcers of an outbreak festering just below his waistline.  It had been months since the last time...  He had vainly hoped that perhaps this sickening disease had simply gone away.

Still the day goes on.  Judoc pays the innkeeper and spends another morning in the city, though today was far more oriented on business.  He sells what he can of his bulkier items, visiting several merchants before he finally finds a price he is willing to accept for his horse and tack.  Though it takes most of the day, Judoc finally finds himself ready to take the thousand-mile trip back to the college.

Though perhaps a little early, as the sun is still bright in the late afternoon sky, Judoc makes his way towards the Cathedral, thinking that he can tour the building in what remaining time he has before the Viscount shows up.

Of course, he doesn't count on the Baron and Archibald showing up even earlier than he had.

Before Judoc has even made the front steps, he notes a man waving frantically, and places him as the Baron V a few moments later.

"Hello!"  The baron calls, pulling behind him a rather fit looking teenager - likely only a few years Judoc's Junior.

"Archibald, this is your classmate, um... yes!"  The baron turns back to look at his son with his face a shining beacon of optimism.  "Well, I'll just let you two hit it off!  Good luck during the term son!  Make me proud!"

The baron turns, and quickly recedes back towards the city.

Archibald seems little surprised by his father's quick departure, and makes no departing gesture of his own.  The boy is fairly tall, perhaps a hand taller than Judoc, and seems to have little goods of his own, just a backpack and a walking stave aside from his rather plain clothes.

Archibald offers a wan smile to Judoc, eyeing his retreating father for a moment before turning back.  "Hi."  He offers, not committing too much into the greeting.

OOC:  It is 1745 on the 14th of June.  You have probably 45 minutes or more until sundown, and you can strike up a conversation, tour the cathedral, or anything else you can think of.  Let me know your final call on items for the character sheet.

Thread aborted due to player abandonment.