Sajaa frowns and shakes her head.  ”No, Sire, I have never been formally trained.” She replies. ”The only learning I did was by watching the Sheik’s houseguards during their training, back when I was a little girl.  I would watch what they did, then play against the boys in my village with sticks.  Such play was forbidden by my parents and I had to do it in secret.”



Sajaa turns to the man, thrilled to hear that, not only has he hired her to cook -- but he is also a sellsword and is willing to train her!  The thought wets her eyes yet again.  Surely Allah must have forgiven my sins if He is bringing such fortune to me!

”Why, yes, Master Gustav!” Says Sajaa, returning to the table and rug and withdrawing the sword yet again and then presenting it to him.  ”I would be most grateful for any help you can offer in teaching me to fight.  At home, the women of my village are not allowed to learn much besides childcare and housekeeping -- certainly not warfare!  So your tutelage would be most appreciated!”

It occurs to Sajaa as she presents the weapon to Gustav that she is taking a risk.  Surely if word reaches the family of Sheik Aarif al-Jalali that there is an Al-Wazif girl in southern Megalos, fitting her description, traveling about flaunting the unique-looking blade -- the bounty hunters will be back on her trail.  But she has no intention of denying her new employer’s request -- and the prospect of being taught by a Master is too great to pass up.

OOC: I will defer to GM on the sword factoids.  I did pay 1 CP to own such a saber.  And it has been described as jeweled, so its probably worth something.  Its not magical to my knowledge, but to the extent of whether its fine or very fine, I will let the GM decide that. Suffice to say, its overall a pretty nifty looking sword. Sajaa's skill is in Fencing and the weapon stats are for "saber".
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Magnus made a low sound of affirmation when Mitra mentioned that she had no real training. "Well...everyone starts somewhere. Gustav is one of the best you'll find in these parts with these, ah, lighter weapons." He gestured faintly to the curved sword.

"What I would do, in your place, is to see if one of the carpenters at the fort can carve you up a copy and to fill it with some lead." He suggested while glancing towards where the fort would be, if they could see through the wall. "That's how the legionaries do it, double the weight of your waster and practice shield, so when it comes to the real thing, well, you're already used to far worse. Besides, that things too pretty to spar with." he glanced again at the decorated weapon.

He took a sip from the beer, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and chuckled low. "Going to be interesting, a Wazifi girl trained by a fencer from Arraterre, but takin' work in Megalos. I imagine you'll have a style all your own if you stick with it."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

Interesting, indeed! Sajaa thinks to herself.  For, in addition, here I am taking advice from a Bullman!  But it is good advice and Sajaa makes a mental note to seek out the local carpenter for assistance in fashioning a training sword.

”I thank you both Sirs Magnus and Gustav.” Says Sajaa.  ”It has been some time since I left my homeland and you two are the first to make me feel welcome. You honor me with your kindness and generosity.”

She watches Gustav hold her sword, interested to hear his verdict as to whether or not he approves of the weapon.

She looks back to Magnus.  ”Sire, forgive my earlier stares.  It is just that you are the first Rajulalthawr I have ever encountered. In truth, the tales told by my people of your kind are not flattering -- but I see now how very wrong they were.  Would that things were different, I would love to take you back to my village and introduce you as my friend.”

She cocks her head.  ”Are there other … Minotaurs … in these parts, Sir Magnus?”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

Gustav takes the Shamshir..

My thanks for your trust, Mitra

He holds it and twists his wrists, then feels for how it swings and thrusts, both of which he does away from Mitra and anyone else.


It seems a well ballanced weapon, Mitra, it should suit you well.

He reverses it so as to hand it back to Mitra grip first.

Magnus had never been called "Sir" in his entire life, and he seemed to find it a little novel. This Mitra was very polite, and while the ruddy camp girls, no-nonsense caravan women and the various other females in his life had their own rough and tumble charm, Mitra's refined presence was different in a way he had never really seen.

The kind sentiments brought a smile to the Minotaur's admittedly monstrous face, but the following question tinged it with a hint of sadness. He licked his lips with his huge pink tongue before he shook his broad, shaggy head back and forth.

"No...no, I've actually never met another of my kind, besides my parents." he clarified. "I've heard a few rumors now and then over the years, but, nothin' ever really seemed to come of it. Not really sure what I would say if I did run across one." he admitted, his eyes seeming to become unfocused for a few moments. He seemed to remember himself after a moment and looked back to her.

"My parents came down from the Nomad Lands before I was born, and I'm guessin' there might be a few more of us up that way. I've never been myself." he shrugged. "You'll find folks from all over the world up here. Just did business with an armor smith from Sahud up in Raphael, and we've done work with Mages, a Viking once...even Gustav here aint' from Megalos. Hopefully you find you like it." he told her sincerely and gestured to her with his cup.

Rolf looks the assembled group over.  Being a bit shorter than most at five foot eight inches tall, he finds himself a bit intimidated by the much larger Minotaur.  He's certainly heard of their kind, but has never been this close to one before.

All in all it's a motley crew for sure.  And far less in number than he thinks they'll need.

Gustav he already knows and has worked with in the past.  A fine swordsman in his own right and someone he trusts. As for the rest he's never met any of them.

"We should probably introduce ourselves.  My name is Rolf and I hail from Craine.  I have training in combat, as I'm sure we all have, and magic." he says matter of factly.  "But beyond hand to hand fighting, does anyone here beside myself have a bow or crossbow?  It would be good to know who does.  I personally have a crossbow."

"I have some outdoorsmanship in me too.  I can track and mostly survive in the wilderness.  Both good things to know."

Shifting gears he adds, "I have it on good authority there are about a dozen bandits that kidnapped the miners.  They took them cart and all."

"They haven't made any ransom demands which I find odd.  Why take prisoners if you aren't going to try to exchange them for coin?  I for one suspect a trap.  Maybe they want to draw us out and into a carefully laid ambush.  Or attack the Three Corners itself while we futilely search for them. I have some thoughts to address the former, but none for the latter."

"Fortunately I have five gold marks from the mayor to use at our disposal.  For supplies, and hopefully to hire more men if we can find them."

"In any event, I've only led smallish groups in the past.  I can take command or defer to someone else if anyone wants that role.  Though it likely makes sense I have some say in what we do, what with my magic ability and how it can be best applied."

OOC: We have $1000 to spend as we see fit.  Rolf has a horse, but no saddle bags which I'll see if he can buy.  This would help I think with carrying gear.

Magnus did not seem to notice Rolf's smaller stature, now did he seem to have any issue with directing his full attention towards Rolf, who he presumed to be his new employer, and in a sense, his superior.

The format was time honored and familiar to him, name, maybe where you were from, and whatever you were bringing to the table. As such he elected to go next after Rolf and cleared his throat before he spoke.

"I'm Magnus" he raised his hand slightly. "I've done work under the Major a few times, and was here during the siege." he did not feel the need to elaborate beyond that, and was not sure what Rolf had been told about him in particular.

"If we were in the Legion I guess I'd be with the Heavy Infantry, at least that's what Brashear used to say. I've got some good armor, a scutum, and they normally just stick me right up front." He explained casually enough. "I've got a few javelins, and a sling, although I mostly just use that for helping to top off the stew pot. I do have'a mule, if we need help haulin' things in"

He seemed to briefly consider continuing, decided against it, and look to the next person in line.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:38, Sun 19 Sept 2021.

I have  crossbow, but am only fair at best with it, but I do have assorted swords an a shield. Rolf, Magnus and I have all worked together at one time or another.

Sajaa retrieves her sword from Gustav. She is about to return it to its hiding place in the folds of her rolled up prayer rug, but stops herself, realizing that the only way she can prove herself worthy of being hired as a sellsword is to show a potential employer that, at least she owns a sword.

For now Gustav and Magnus begin speaking with a newcomer -- a little man with a youthful demeanor who calls himself Rolf of Craine.  Without preamble, Rolf dives right into the business of assembling a group of sellswords -- which is more than Sajaa could hope for.  He speaks of a gang of bandits who have kidnapped miners.  Sajaa presumes the job will be to rescue the miners and drive off the bandits.  The little man speaks of magic in a matter-of-fact sort of way, and this astonishes Sajaa.  Between her encounter with a hulking Minotaur and now a Magician -- she is finding herself overwhelmed.  Surely a backwards Muslim girl from the badlands south of the river has no place consorting with such an eclectic gang of seasoned adventurers!

But despite her feelings of inadequacy, and her natural hesitancy to speak up in the presence of men, Sajaa swallows hard and raises her voice to be heard.  If, indeed, she wants to find employment as a mercenary, now is the time to dive in.

”As-Salam-u-Alaikum, Master Rolf.” Sajaa says, bowing her black haired head.  ”You may call me Mitra.  I am new to this village but seek work.  I have this sword, as you can see, Sire.  And a good horse, too.  You would honor me by inviting me to join you and Masters Gustav and Magnus on this quest.  I own neither crossbow nor bow, but would be happy to purchase one if it would benefit the cause.”
This message was last edited by the player at 11:53, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

"I'm probably about the same with a crossbow too.  I'm ok with it, but I'm no sharp shooter.  But still, having some ranged firepower won't hurt." Rolf says in reply to Gustav.

"Good to hear." he adds genuinely when he hears Gustav vouch for Magnus.  If the minotaur is good with Gustav, he's good with Rolf.

"I wouldn't go out an buy an expensive weapon if you don't already know how to use it.  Armor and shield might be a better choice if you don't have any already." the mage adds Mitra's way.

Rolf pauses and collects his thoughts for a moment.  He thinks about how they might best beat any ambush the Bandits might set for them.  He could transform into a bird and spy from above, but he can't maintain, nor should he try, that spell for the many hours he might need to as they track them.  Plus he might be required to track himself which he can't do flying around.

"In regards to searching for the Bandits, does it make sense to buy a mutt that might sniff out any ambush and bark out their presence?  Dogs have a keen sense of smell that might invaluable to us." he asks the group.  "At least as long as the dog isn't a constant yipper that would give away our presence."

Looking the group over he notices his new apprentice Giles hasn't spoken up yet.  Rolf looks his way expectantly.  Other than he wants him to show him what he can about weaving magic, he knows nothing about the man and is curious to what he might say.

"An ambush is a concern,"  Giles offers in response to Rolf.  "Though I'm not sure that a dog is our right answer...  Apart from the yipping, I doubt that there are many dogs in these parts that would know of an ambush any sooner than a well trained soldier."

"I think the more pressing matter though is your comment of ransom.  If they have offered no terms yet, then what are they waiting for, or are they offering a ransom at all?  If they aren't, then what purpose do these captives serve?"

Giles shakes his head.

"The slave markets are one possibility, Lord knows there is plenty of want for that foul trade throughout the empire, but it seems like an odd place to take slaves by force.  After all, the market is going to be most feverish here in Three Corners where the mines are clamoring for work, and that seems no different than offering the workers back for a ransom..."

GM posting in player's absense

Magnus remained hunched over and attentive as the suggestions went back and forth, and when he felt the time was right he interjected himself.

"If it's just us, I don't see a lot of options. Unless you two have some sort of magic that's gonna give us an edge, we're just gonna have to go in there and clean'em out. It won't be pretty, but we've got no scouts, no cavalry and no real archers." He pointed out. "No way to infiltrate them either, as far as I can see." the tips of his fingers drummed softly on the table top as he thought. "So unless we can talk them out, it might just be all stick"

Sajaa tucks her sword away, then stands quietly, listening to Men and Minotaur discuss battle tactics.  Yet another newcomer joins in the conversation, a handsome young man with a curly mop of dark auburn hair who does not give his name and who leaps right into the subject being discussed.

Her father so often preached: Women should be seen and not heard. And so she remains silent.  That the group has not denied her recruitment is fortunate enough to keep her content.  Why risk things by opening my mouth? And, besides, what can she offer in her ignorance of such manly things as warfare?

They seem mostly concerned about the possibility of an ambush.  Certainly Sajaa can appreciate their apprehension.  Did she not, herself, ambush the two bounty-hunters, cutting them down before they even knew they were under attack?  They speak of magic as a possible tactic -- but she doesn’t even attempt to understand how that could be employed -- so ignorant is she of such arts.  The little one named Rolf mentioned possessing some magical ability.  She finds herself eager to witness Rolf in action.

So cautiously optimistic that she is now part of the group is she that she doesn’t dwell on the logistics.  Of traveling, unchaperoned, with a gang of male heathens and their bestial comrade, Magnus.  She decides to stick close to the Rajulalthawr, for it, alone, would have no reason to develop any unhealthy interest in her that its human male counterparts might out in the wilds.

She wonders to herself what kind of pay one can earn as a sellsword.

More than I have now!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Tue 21 Sept 2021.

"Agreed, lets ditch the dog idea.  It might do more harm than good." Rolf says in reply to Giles as he mulls over the slave question.  He hadn't thought of that possibility.  "Indeed it could be the miners are already sold.  But the only way to know for sure is to try to track the Bandits down."

"Stick it most likely is then.  I have some spells that might help, but it'll depend on what we find for defenses in the Bandit camp so I can't say for sure.  And generally some of us will surely get hurt and I should try to keep my power in reserve for that very possibility." he adds in response to Magnus.

To the rest he says, "We should get as many men for hire as we can with our five marks while still buying as much food to feed us all for at least ten days, plus another five days worth of food for the miners."

"I would think ten days should be more than enough time.  If it goes longer than that I think we should call it."

OOC:  For our five I calculate 150 meals needed for 10 days. (5 x 10 x 3 meals as day = 150).  Plus another 75 for the five miners.  At $2 per meal, 1/2 lb each.  That would cost $450 out of our $1000.  Leaving $550 for men and food to feed them.

Weight for the food is 113. My horse can carry 40 of it.  Let me know how much the mule can carry.   I have a bag of holding that I can use to likely carry the rest.

Gustav still has his small riding Jenny (Mule).

I think carrying food will be minor compared to water.
And a large mob of fihters may be more problems than value; everyone is a geat fighter until combat starts, then the numbers thin quickly.
The same will apply to the bandits, wejust needto catch them at an awkward time and get a bit ahead. I doubt they will fight to the death if things are going poorly.

"It's rough, ya know, hunting bandits." Magnus said as an aside as they discussed their plans. "I wouldn't underestimate these guys. I mean, we call them bandits, but twelve armed men running around the wilderness with nothin' to lose." he looked about as he spoke. "If they do chose to fight, probably gonna be ugly."

He coughed a little and adjusted his weight on his seat. "If I were them, I'd be thinkin' spies in town, doin hit and run attacks as we come in, maybe even somethin' like poisoned arrows. Just makin' our lives hell in general." he sipped his beer and then jerked the cup to Gustav. "And yeah, if all that didn't work, I'd probably beat feet instead of fightin' it out to the death"

He looked back to Rolf. "If you do decide to try to hire on some help, maybe some archers of our own might be the thing? I mean they don't need armor, and the risk is lower...just some people to shoot back if they do get the jump on us, or pin us down." he suggested, as if the thought of getting ambushed by bandits in the hills was already making him tired.

"I was hoping we could find water along the way.  But having more on hand couldn't hurt." he says in response to Gustav.

Rolf listens to Gustav and Magnus and harkens back to the fight with highwaymen his group had on their trip here. Unbidden to his mind comes the recent memory of the combat he and Gustav had when their camp was ambushed.

"The caravan I was with before reaching the Three Corners was attacked by about five bandits in the middle of the night.  Most were armed with knives, but one had a bow.  They fought well and without fear until we got the better of them.  We defeated them soundly, but suffered a few wounded.  None on our side died so ultimately we did well."

Adding soberly Rolf continues, "We outnumbered them though which greatly helped.  This time we won't be with our five to their roughly dozen.  I'd like to hire at least three more men to help even the odds.  More if I can get them.  Preferably with bows."

Addressing Gustav's concern he adds, "Certainly not all men can handle the stress of combat.  It's a risk for sure, but going in with better than two to one against us is riskier I think. I expect them to fight us hard.  Especially as their greater numbers will likely inspire confidence on their side."

Sajaa returns to her seat and resumes picking at her plate as she listens to the discussion.

A feeling of dread rises from the depths of her stomach as she listens to these veteran warriors discussing past battles.  Somehow she has maneuvered her way into their ranks, but what in the Name of Allah is she thinking?!  What do I know about fighting … really?! She thinks.  That she defeated her husband is nothing to brag about --for he was fat and unarmed and extremely drunk.  The two bounty hunters were equally unchallenging -- they entirely unaware of her presence when she struck.  But these bandits?  They may number a dozen or more and may very well have vigilant lookouts posted to warn of their coming and time to launch an ambush.

For a moment, she considers declaring to the others that she is reneging on her offer to join them.  That she would better serve Three Corners and her new employer Gustav, as a cook or a maid or through some other domestic occupation.  That she is no warrior and undeserving of the fine saber that lies hidden under the table. That she made a terrible mistake when she offered to join them.

But she holds her tongue.  God has been kind to her so far, if she prays hard enough, He will see her through this new phase of her life.

Supplicate Allah Almighty and be certain that He will answer your prayer.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:44, Thu 23 Sept 2021.

OK, but I still think we need to asses any potential new hires so we don't expect too much. Mitra here would like some training with her new sword, I expect others have weapons they hardly know how to use, let alone use well.

"Well,"  Giles answers as the conversation steers to water.  "The only reliable source of water is the river, but it's not exactly rare out the the bush.  I've never had too much trouble heading out on patrols, we almost always find some along the way, a ground spring or small creek somewhere, but I suppose it's not guaranteed.  I don't think we'd need to take all the water we'd need for the whole time though...  Just something big enough to last us a day or so in case we don't find anything for a while.  Maybe a barrel that holds a few gallons or so?"

Giles shrugs his shoulders.

"As for men, I doubt that the Major will be willing to allow any of the soldiers off for more expeditions...  He complains enough about being undermanned as it is.  But I'm sure there are workers here in the town that would be willing to take a chance to earn some extra copper, especially if it meant avenging a few of their friends.  Talus is the name of a merchant I think that has excellent connections here, I can see if he knows anyone we could try and convince to come to our aid."

But just then, the door of the great room opens and a flood of the last bits of the evening sunlight spring into the room along with the tiniest boy any of them have seen in some time.  The lad can be no older than eight, and is probably younger, though his clothes are torn and his body bears fresh scratches and bruises that portend some familiarity with abuse beyond his tender age.  His eyes are wild, his face pallid and thin...  All in all he seems far too young to be walking into the commons of the border town.

Runt joins the thread

OOC:  Somewhere along the line I made a mistake in the calendar math.  It is now the 3rd of January, and Runt has just hiked 4 hours at a feverish pace to make it into Three Corners.  He is quite tired.  I think I need to edit Runt's thread, which I will do just after this.

A couple of quick notes:

Let me know with a quick private Rolf if you want to use the group funds to buy food, and if so, how much.  I'll split things up evenly (or just quickly) among the animals if there is a bunch of group items to track.  Also let me know if you want to take Giles up on his offer to ask Talus for more hires and what you are offering them for pay.

Other than that, I think we are close to set - just give me the word when you are ready to head out, and what preparations you want to make.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:16, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

Not sure what amount of time we are speaking of, as last I remember it was late afternoon, so we have a few hours. Gustav will take sometime to give Mitra some very basic fencing tips. Say an hours worth.

OOC - If I've been keeping time right, Gustav, Sajaa, and Magnus joined the thread at 16:30 and Runt should be arriving somewhere around 17:30 to 18:00 (probably closer to 18:00).  Sundown should be a bit after 18:00. I think this is correct.

Good stuff, thanks Runt.

Magnus glanced over as the door opened, and then stared for a few moments.before his expression became progressively more crestfallen.

His concern only seemed to mount when it became obvious that the boy had arrived alone, despite his tender age.

"Christ..." he muttered and then stood and made his way over to the lad. "Easy kid... over here, we'll get you a seat by the fire." he did not touch the boy, although he gestured towards a bench that had been pulled up next to the hearth.

"Hey guys, do you think we can track down some warm soup? And maybe a blanket?" He asked the group that he had been planning with. He was not sure if the young man would simply flee back into the cold, but given his state, he had his doubts that the boy was going anywhere quickly.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

Sajaa sits alone at her table, listening to the others talk tactics and logistics.  She continues to question her decision to join the war party but knows, if she intends to go through with this, she will have to ask the village leatherman to step up his timetable on completing the adjustments to the boiled cuirass she recently purchased from the proceeds of the sale of the bay gelding.  The armor was oversized for her slender physique so she paid to have it tailored to fit.  The leatherman is also fashioning a new chin strap for the heavy steel helmet she bought to add to her protection.

As these thoughts are mulling through her mind, her eye catches the flash of light from the opening door and sees a tiny little boy limp in.  She inhales sharply at the boy’s terribly beaten condition.  Having tended children all her life, her maternal instincts have her beginning to rise from her seat to go to the boy, but the big Minotaur, Magnus, is first to lumber over to him.



Sajaa is quick to bend to her belongings piled beneath the table and fish out a threadbare blanket she pilfered from the bounty hunters.

”I have a blanket.” She calls.  She rises and hurries over to the boy and drapes the blanket over his narrow shoulders.  ”And I shall look for some soup … or perhaps hot tea?”  It occurs to her that she is now the cook of this establishment, so takes the liberty of searching about for any hot beverage she may offer the boy.

If Sajaa’s father had not held out for the best bride price and married her off at thirteen like most of the girls in her village, Sajaa would likely have already birthed four or five children by now.  But Kassem waited and waited, haggling with all suitors until, at seventeen, the Sheik made her father an offer he could not refuse.  And yet, relieved to be rid of her husband, Sajaa has always wanted children, so finds herself endeared to the battered little urchin and eager to help.

OOC: Note, Sajaa's Disadvantage: Sense of Duty (to women, children and animals). DM I took the liberty of having Sajaa pre-order the leather armor and helmet that I ‘bought’ from private messages. If that’s not cool, or there is no armorer or leatherworker in the village, just say so and I shall edit.  Sajaa will look for any kind of hot beverage she can find and offer it to the boy.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Wed 29 Sept 2021.