"Concentrate Daniel.  You have already learned to make my muscles flinch.  This is different.  You must learn to make them sabatoge me.  It is not the now.  It is learning to make them fail me over and over again if they must."

Runt squints open an eye.  Norla sits across the altar from Runt, her hands held out, grasping his, her eyes closed as if leading him with her own concentration.

"And will it be so!"  Norla says with emphasis, and Runt shutters his eyes closed in a moment and focuses his everything into this new spell.

All things considered, the last two months had been very good for Runt.  In his mind, he tried to list off the things that had changed for him in this rather short period of time.  First, he wasn't sleeping outside.  Second, he had managed three square meals a day.  Third, Deng hadn't bothered him even once since he had resided in three corners, though he had to admit he missed the guards, the dock workers, and occasionally even an encounter with the Beggar Queen and the sympathy that he had engendered.

Though things were no doubt better overall, Runt had to admit there were things he missed.  Norla fed him, taught him, and provided him company... however she simply wasn't kind.  It wasn't something that Runt was used to in large doses, but he noticed that here in Three Corners there didn't seem to be anyone who really filled the void of kindness, something that at least here and there he could look forward to in Craine.

"That's something."  Norla intones, though the measure of her voice does not seem to actually be impressed.  Realizing he was already distracted, Runt puts everything he has into the spell he already knows and attempts to cast not just in the moment, but over and over again!

Before Norla has the chance to react again, the door in the small chapel opens behind Runt, and he turns quickly to get a peek.

It's Leo at the door.

Though Runt does not fear Leo, nor does he think the man has some vendetta against him, Runt has learned that the man has little patience for his presence.  With little more than a halfhearted excuse, Runt shoots up to his feet and darts towards the back of the small chapel, snapping shut the door before the soldier has even taken a few steps in the room.

"Practice."  Norla says without much conviction as Runt disappears.

"Why in the world did you take in that child?"  Runt can hear Leo ask through the flimsy doorway.

Runt sits down in the small backroom, keeping himself close enough to the doorway to hear the conversation from the other side.  Not that there is much room here to go anywhere else.  Of the two small rooms at the back of the chapel, one serves as a bedroom and living space for Norla and Celeste, the other, which Runt is sitting in now, serves a dual function as a storage closet and his own living spaces, his small bundle of blankets tucked between a wardrobe filled with religious robes and stoles and a bureau of linens and the like for decoration of the altar.

"He's clever..."  Norla's response is simple and direct.  Her words clipped and without any hint of defensiveness.  "He's moldable, he has magical talent.  In the past two months he's learned how to read and memorized near the entire bible.  Why should I have not taken him in?"

"He has not memorized the entire bible."  Leo shoots back, though he seems to be offering a counterpoint rather than arguing.  "Memorization implies some understanding.  He still doesn't know half the words, let alone what any of it means."  Leo grumbles something under his breath.

"Patience never was your strong suit."  Norla responds, and Runt can imagine the lazy, stoic smile she uses so often with him.

"I just wish he was of some use.  He seems to be draining all of your energies and offering nothing back."

"Give it time."  Norla responds.  "Have you made any progress with Broskow?"

"Not nearly enough for the effort."  Leo nearly spits the answer as if it had been a sour taste in his mouth.  "The man's obsessed with himself and he can't be made to see reason, let alone God's will.  Not to mention he keeps that damnable retainer beside him day and night now who seems to only feed his worst insecurities.  Every day he manufactures some existential crisis with the duchy or else that pittance of a fort."

"Do you think he'll fall in with Lord Magnus's plan?"

"He'll have to."  Leo responds quickly.  "Whether he wants to or not.  Our people now make up more than half of this town, and those that aren't ours seem to be leaving rather than coming.  Speaking of which, Hashmal sends word from Craine that he's made some headway with recruiting.  Not ours, but at least men of God, people who won't be tempted to take sides with that madman should he decide to start the wrong war."

"That's something."  Norla says, and Runt notices the same lack of conviction that he had recognized when she had used the words about his own spell casting.  "When did..."

But whatever Norla was going to add is interrupted by another, new voice which has suddenly cuts across everything.

"I need to pray father!  It will not wait!..  What?"

"Perhaps a little more patience could be of some use?  Are you new here?"  Runt recognized the slight cold turn in Leo's voice and unable to restrain himself, he peers his head around the doorframe, staring as best he can through the tiny slit between the door and the jamb.

Two men have just walked in.  The first just barely a man, perhaps a boy of sixteen or seventeen, though already larger than most men.  He holds a staff in his hands, wears a blue tabard with a cross and a shield displayed over his heart.  The boys face is flush with an angry red.

The man behind him is a bear of a man.  Taller even than Leo, the man's chest, arms and torso flare out with muscles.  There's no doubt for Runt the man's biceps are larger than his whole body around.  This one seems calmer, though a sword is draped about his waist.

"Daniel!"  Norla calls.  "Come greet our guests!"

OOC:  It is 1100 on the 9th of March.

Whew!  Sorry for the length, and even sorrier for leaving everyone in a position where the initiative is on all of you.  Present in the room are Porter, Agador, Leo, and Norla.  Runt is hiding away in a backroom, but is soon to come out (if he wants to be a part of the thread).  No need to feel obligated to take any particular action, if you just wait longer then I'll keep things moving by using Agador and Leo.

The Chapel is about 50 feet long by 20 feet wide, it has a single row of pews taking up most of the space from the entrance forward, with a single altar at the back.  The decorations include a large cross hanging behind the altar, as well as some paintings and other paraphernalia that Runt will recognize from the Caves of Chaos.

Runt, Roll vs. Will.  If you succeed, you gain 1 CP in the clumsiness spell.

Porter, you just now got into town with your son and the first thing he has done is dragged you to the chapel.  You came to three corners both because of the issues you were having in Craine, as well as because you heard rumored promises that "Men of God" held power here in Three Corners.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Runt tried to concentrate on the new spell that Mistress Norla was attempting to teach him.  Magic was harder than he would have ever thought.  He didn’t have much trouble remembering the words and gestures he was shown, though he did often need to see them several times before having them down.  And it only took a bit of practice for him to say the unfamiliar words (very unfamiliar), and some were real tongue twisters.  The gestures were easy to do, with a little practice.  He figured that the ease that he played instruments might have something to do with that.  But what was hard was opening himself to take in the Mana.  It seemed to elude him much of the time.  He had to really concentrate on just that to get it to work.  He just needed to practice, practice, practice!

He thought he almost had it, he could feel the flow of mana beginning when Master Leo entered the chapel, interrupting the session.  With that as an excuse, he scampered to his room in the back of the chapel.  It wasn’t that he was afraid of Leo, but he had quickly figured out that the man had no use for him being around and didn’t seem to like the amount of time Mistress Norla spent teaching him.

He sat down in the room by the door and began to practice as instructed, though keeping one ear cocked towards the door in case the two adults talked about something interesting.  For his practice, he tried opening his Sight, as it was called, to see the magical auras.  Mistress Norla had said that practicing the Sight was the safest way for him to learn to be receptive to mana.  When he was able to use his Sight, he could actually See magic with his eyes.  He wondered if it would be possible to Hear magic as well as See it.  That would be something he might ask Mistress Norla about, or maybe he would just try it first.

His musing and listening to the adults conversation stopped abruptly when their conversation was interrupted by the sudden entrance to the chapel of two men.  Well one man and one almost a man, though younger was larger than most men and the other was even bigger, bigger than most of the champions he had seen in the arena.  He was staring at the man’s arms, big around as his waist, when he was called by Mistress Norla to come out and greet the newcomers.

He scrambled to his feet and walked out to the main room, his hands clasped in front of him.

“Greetings good sirs and welcome to this humble chapel,” he said a bit slowly, carefully pronouncing the words in what he hoped was the correct manner, another thing that Mistress Norla had been teaching him.

As they walked the great south road to the edge of Megalos itself it gave Porter time to think.  He mulled over the last six months, over and over too much he began to think.  Had he done the right thing in leaving town?  Were these not sinners?  If left alone would they not bring ill and violence to others with Porter's absence leaving a vacuum?  With calming reason the ex-soldier reminds himself he is but a tool in the service of the Lord, not the judge, jury and executioner.  But it was true that Mokal was getting more reckless, more emotional in his crazed quest for vengeance.  And emotional men with few limits are highly dangerous men.  Porter chances a stare at his son.  Agador has changed so much since back then, grown from a soft boy into a hard young man.  Almost marriage age now.  His mother wouldn't recognize him if she were alive to see him.

It had been some time since he received a visit.  Vision is what others called them, usually priests.  Or dreams.  Or drug fueled hallucinations.  Or occasionally, some called it insanity.  But they couldn't feel it as he could.  They couldn't hear his words, be in his presence.   Then about a week before reaching Three Corners he came to see Porter and warned him of an evil ahead.  The big man asked questions, as he always does and typical of his mentor he answered but the information was vague and only led to more unanswered questions.

Porter wasn't exactly certain what he was going to find upon arriving in Three Corners.  He was hoping for a church as big as the grand cathedral in Craine and a sprawling barracks and training ground.  Practice, work and prayer were in order but not necessarily in that order.  But when the sight of the small church comes into view the big man quietly contains his disappointment as his son drags him inside.

His son, still sometimes impulsive and rash bursts through the doors drawing the attention of two priests, more specifically a priestess and a, bishop perhaps?  Porter smiles, relieved that while the church is small and sparse they have not skimped on the staff.  The woman speaks inviting someone out to the meet the newcomers.  Porter thinks it impressive, the church boasts a third priest?

Then she turns to face them, and the big man freezes.  He is stunned by the woman's beauty.  While she doesn't look like his late wife there have been few over the recent years who could capture the raw femininity of being a woman such as Lasan did.  Now struck by the softness, her sensual curves, the pouting pink lips Porter is overwhelmed by a torrent of memories that flood his mind of his late wife. Memories he has worked so hard to forget lest they bring back pain.

The big man shakes off the temporary charm, grateful that the focus had been on his loud mouth son and grateful for the sense of ease which he feels at being amongst friends of the faith.  Porter continues walking towards the back of the small building.  ”Please, forgive my son's impatience.  We've been on the road for some time and grown weary.  Its silly but the lack of the hot meal, hot bath and soft bed can try a mans patience.  Yes, we've just arrived from Craine.  I'm Porter.  This is my son Agador.”

And then the boy enters the room and again the big man freezes.  His youngest son, his poor boy, would have been about this age when he met that horrific fate.  Seeing this boy is like a mule kick to the belly, it jolts him through and through and sends another flood of memories of his boy along with emotions.  However the ex-soldier pulls himself together, he wouldn't want these nice people to think him crazy.  There's plenty of time for that later once they get him talking about Agador's training he muses to himself.  Porter nods to the boy and smiles.  ”Thank you young man.  A most kind welcome.”


OOC:
Bah.  Never apologize for the length.  It creates a rich scene and background even if Porter missed half of it, and gives me plenty to react to.  I have a feeling he'll find out in time.

Edit:  When I wrote the above Runt hadn't yet posted. So I went back and edited mine to reflect his post.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:54, Mon 08 May 2023.

A smile flashed briefly across Runt's face at Master Porter's words.  That was possibly the nicest thing that had been said to him in the past two months.  He wasn't sure how he should address him, or his son Agador for that matter, so for now he would be silent unless prompted.  He did carefully study both faces to see if he could recall either of them from Craine.  He knew that was where they were from, even if Master Porter hadn't said so.  The accent gave it away.


OOC - Sorry to have been so long on my replying, Sunday turned busier than expected.  This thread has some serious potential, not even considering the possible crazed assassin that just might be after Runt!  ;-)

"From Craine?"  Leo asks, sending his eyes askew to follow Agador, who has ignored the adult conversation and walked his way towards one of the front pews, kneeling down on the small wooden bench provided.

His attention does not dwindle there, but pulls back towards Porter, appraising him with a few glances.  "Well, I suppose impatience to serve one's lord can be forgiven, especially at such a young age..."

Up front, Agador has begun to pray openly and loudly, his hands cast up in the air.

"Dear Lord, thank you for this safe travel and for choosing us to do thy bidding.  For I am but a hammer within your fist..."

Leo quirks his head around again, temporarily distracted by Agador.  However, he turns his head back again rather quickly.

"Forgive me if I presume you are looking for work?  And perhaps a bed?  As for the latter, I believe there is an inn that has just begun service, they should be able to accomodate.  For the former, there is always room for more strong men in service of the Lord.  , though I'm afraid the governor has first right of refusal on all the newcomers, perhaps you should see him first?"

"...Bless you oh Lord, and bless the Saint Michael who has chosen us.  May his strength be ours, to smite down your enemies as Israel did to the Canaanites...  Amen."

For a moment, Agador stretches his arms and chin higher, as if basking the whole of his upper body in some imaginary sunlight.  Norla now has turned her whole body to watch the young man.

"If you wish to do so, there is no time like the present."  Leo says in the new quiet.  "The boy can show you if you wish."  He gestures his hand towards Runt.  "Come and see us again afterword though?"

"Father."  Agador stands and turns, both his hands gripped now on his staff like a walking stick.  "What shall we do then?"

Runt stood quietly as Leo spoke to Master Porter's about his intents.  He was a bit surprised when Agador strode to the front of the chapel, knelt, and began to pray, loudly.  From the content and volume, he was pretty sure that the teen wasn't going to be much fun to be around.

He was happy that Leo volunteered him to guide the newcomers around the settlement, such as it was.  "I am at your service good sirs," he said carefully.

Growing up Porter wasn't much on subtlety.  He didn't look for it and didn't pay it much attention.  Women he knew would say phrases like, 'Its the little things'.  He had no idea what that meant.

But that all changed the night his wife died.  Grief has a funny way of changing a man.  Porter has asked himself about a million times, 'Am I the reason my wife, my beloved, is dead?  If I had done different things would she still be alive?'  What would he have done differently?  He still isn't exactly sure but over the last five years his mind sees things, little things that he didn't notice when they happened but after the fact he came to understand they were important.  It was life nudging him, saying, 'Hey, pay attention.'  Maybe it was Saint Michael.  Naturally he's asked Michael but that damned old billy goat wont give a straight answer.

There were a whole handful of these clues that Porter ignored.  Like how Mokal's gang were hanging out too close to the gates.  He should have shoo'ed them away.  Or like how after he broke Mokal's nose the man was too calm.  He should have known that asshole was coming back for payback.  And so many more.

Sometimes Agador calls him paranoid.  Lasan would have definitely called him paranoid.  But once your mind fixes on seeing these hidden, almost intangible clues you can never go back to not seeing them.  Most of the time the clues, the observations are harmless.  These oddities lead to nothing.  But once in a while, there is a reason why half the room refuses to drink the wine or no one will fuck the girl down the street.

And so as Porter navigates the seemingly innocuous meet and greet at the tiny outpost chapel his mind cannot help tell him something is off.  Its subtle.  Almost imperceptible.  If he hadn't suffered the loss he had he doubts he would even notice it, he would explain it away as something else.  First there is the introductions.  Porter gave their names and got none in return, save for the boy.  Then there was the odd interest in Agador.  And suddenly, they suggested that the newcomers leave the chapel for just long enough.  Quite odd, though he has no idea what it means.  If there is something nefarious going on here surely Michael has sent them here for a reason.

As Leo inquires about their want for work and room and board Porter chuckles.  ”Right on both counts.  It's as if you've done this before.”  Porter chuckles again at his own joke trying to lighten the mood.  ”The governor then.  We'll return as soon as we've got his blessing and the two penny tour of the town.”

The big man waves to his son and gestures to the boy waving a had towards the chapel doorway.  ”Daniel is it?  If you'd be so kind...”

Once they put a reasonable distance between themselves and the church Porter looks down at the youth.  ”Daniel, what can you tell me of this governor?  And the priestess, and bishop?  Names would be helpful.  We've quite literally just arrived not an hour ago and know nothing of the fort or town.”  The thick soldiery looking man smiles down while waiting to be informed.


OOC:
Porter isn't sure what to make of this encounter.  Its weird but barely so.  Maybe these people are having a bad day, or they suck at social skills.  Or maybe its something deeper but he has clue what.  At this point Porter is doing his best to note the odd occurrences but pretend he doesn't notice them.

Porter would like Daniel to explain what the governors first right of refusal means, if he knows.  Then escort him to the governor so he can get that out of the way, and then the inn, and finally any other notable people or structures here.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Thu 11 May 2023.

Runt led the two Ottvoffs from the chapel and towards the inn.  Even though they hadn't said where they would like to go first, that is where he would choose if he was in their place.



He hesitates a moment before speaking slowly and carefully pronouncing each word.  "Well good sirs, the governor would be Governor Broskow."  He paused, the look on his face one of extreme concentration.  "Um, can I, I mean may I just talk normal, not fancy?"  He looked up hopefully at the very large soldierly looking man, fidgeting a bit.

OOC - Runt is clearly struggling with proper speech and a bit nervous.

As they walk and talk the young boy looks up, his face hopeful and earnest, asking if he can speak some other way.  Its clear speaking fancy is making him feel a bit awkward.

Since being counseled by Saint Michael, and the tragedy, life has been different for Porter.  His time has been spent learning the history, teachings and rituals of Christianity, continuing his training in fighting and bringing Agador into that life, and naturally finding work.  A man's gotta eat.  While children do spend time around churches Porter hasn't spent much time being close to them.  It occurs to him now, on purpose.  Its not that he doesn't like children, he does.  But they remind him of what he lost.

The big man chuckles at the boy's honesty in spite of himself.   ”Of course.  Speak however you like Daniel.”

Runt looked relieved when Porter gave his permission to speak normally, well normally for the boy.

"Don't know much 'bout the governor.  I don't xactly hang round with nobles and such.  But from what I hear, he wants to hire a bunch of folks to protect the town.  An he want to get first shot at folks coming to town pf they looking for work."
  He paused briefly before continuing.

"Master Leonitus does something for him, he ain't no bishop.  Mistress Norla's the priestess.  She took me in for now and be teaching me to read and write.  I be pretty good 'bout reading.  I done read the whole bible and know it, but she say that my writing looks like chicken scratch.  Oh, an she be teaching me 'bout magic."

"I can show you where the govenor's place is an the inn an most anything else there is round here.  I be the best guide in Three Corners like I was in Craine.  Though this place was a lot easier to know."

"The governor's place be this way," he points before heading in that direction.

OOC - feel free to interrupt him for any further questions or clarification.  If you have mounts, he'll suggest stopping at the livery stable first.

As the big man and boys walk he frowns in hearing about the governor's interests.  ”Hmmmm.  Doesn't sound like we'll be working for the church.  My money's on this Broskow wanting us when he finds out I was part of the watch.”  There is an air of disappoint about his tone as he shoots his son a look.  He continues, ”Tell me Daniel.  Do you know what kind of work he is looking for?”  He thought to ask the boy about pay but halted the question before it fell from his mouth, what do children know about money.

Porter pauses in his walking, in truth to spend a little more time with the boy.  Everyone lies, except sometimes children.  If he was going to get the skinny on this place the boy was a good place to start.  So he removes a bit smoked and hard deer jerky from his pack, breaks it in half and offers some to the boy before popping the other half in his mouth.  ”Interesting.  So Leonitus and Norla are both priests then?  And Norla knows magic.  You mean card tricks, sleight of hand, pulling a rabbit from a hat?  That sort of thing?”

And then as he slings his dusty worn pack over his shoulder something slaps at him.  ”Did you say Norla took you in?  So Norla isn't your mother Daniel?”



OOC:
We don't have horses.  Not until we steal some.

Porter would initially say he doesn't care about the order but after thinking a minute he would suggest visiting the governor first.  Getting a job could affect how he handles the inn.

Runt thought for a moment.  "Not really.  I mean nobody tells me what they is hired to do.  But most the new folks coming in ain't from round here or even like folks from round Craine.  I thinks they is from way east.



Runt took the jerky  and popped a bit in his mouth.  "Naw, just Mistress Norla be a priestess.  Least I don't think Master Leonitus be a priest, never seen him do any priest stuff.  Mistress Norla be a Mage.  She do real magic and she be teaching me it."



Runt nodded his head.  "Yeah, she taked." He paused for a second. "No, she took me in.  She not be my mother.  I ain't got no mother, she be dead long time ago."

OOC - Yeah, I didn't know if there were horses or not.  But if you want some, Runt knows a guy.  ;-)

Porter strolls casually as a man without a care, in truth he is taking in the town.  Its mood.  Are these people in a damned hurry or relaxed?  How do they treat one another?  With aggression or compassion?  The big man wants to know what he's walked into.

But then the boy drops a bombshell taking him completely by surprise.  Porter stops in mid stride as his bulky body turns slowly to meet the child's face. His mask turns from surprise, to awe and finally a broad grin.  ”A sorcerer?  A wizard.  You mean a conjurer of the mystic arts?  Norla can...”, Porter's eyes scrunch and raise towards the heavens as he thinks, ”...turn my walking stick into a wombat, summon a meal from nothing, and shoot fire from her eyes?  That sort of thing?”  And she's teaching you?”  He asked almost incredulously.

Runt took a couple of steps further before he realized that the big man had stopped.



He turned around to face Master Porter.  "Well, I not be sure what some of those words mean, but she is a Mage an she be teaching me.  I ain't never seen her do any stuff like you said."  He looked up quizzically.  "What be a wombat?"

Porter begins walking again as he chuckles at the boys simple nature.  He cocks his head to one side as he strains to remember what the animal looks like.  ”A wombat...is...an animal.  I've only seen drawings but I think it looks like a big fat rat.”

Now the big man changes the subject to something that could be delicate, so his voice softens.  ”Daniel, you said that Norla took you in.  Because your mother died years ago.  Is Norla a relative?  And where is your father?”

runt shuddered at the wombat description.  "Yuck!  I hates rats.  Regular ones be bad 'nough.  Big fat ones, no thanks," he stated emphatically.  "Might be good eatin though," he thought out loud.  "Naw, ain't got no relatives that I know of.  Don't know who my father be.  My mother was a girl at Mama San's Pleasure Palace in Craine, so I guess my father be one of the customers."  He stated the latter part mater-of-factly.

Porter let out a belly laugh as the boy commented about rat meat.  ”I've had a lot of meat in my time including bear.  But I'm thankful I've never tasted rat.”  The big man's eyes and mouth twists and contorts as if someone just shit their pants.  ”And I hope I never do.”

He is grateful for the conversation turning in a new direction.   As he soaked in the boys story he marveled at the good fortune the youth enjoyed.  He was an orphan yes, war, disease and neglect had produced plenty of those.  Not only was the boy a wizard but he had managed to find a kindly witch to play the part of mentor and caretaker, and he being such a young age.  Porter didn't know how many sorcerers there are in the world but he knows he's never met one before.  And now he's met two in the same day.   The ex soldier looks up towards the heavens.  Surely it was divine providence that made his path cross with Norla's Lord.  God is good.

As they stroll leisurely the boy mentions the house of sin, The Pleasure Palace.  The well muscled man goes quiet, his mouth turned into a broad happy grin and his face showing fond remembrances.  When the young lad catches him day dreaming Porter mutters absent mindedly, ”Yup.  I know Mama San's.  Been there a few times.”  And then the big man gets the feeling eyes are upon him, and he can tell it is the boy.  He casts a knowing glance.  ”No kid.  I aint your father.  I haven't been visiting The Palace that long.  You're too old.  How old are you anyway?”

Runt was really enjoying talking with Master Porter as they walked through Three Corners.  The man was certainly the most friendly adult he had met in the past two months.  Most of the adults in town just ignored him, which he was used to back in Craine.  And there were practically no other kids around.  Most of the ones that had been here two months ago had left when their families had moved out and the handful remaining were kept close to home.  Out of the members of Mistress Norla's company, the men were either busy or ignored him.  He did interact with the women much more.  Mistress Norla was his teacher of course and he spent a good bit of each day around her, but she wasn't what could be called affectionate.  He figured that she just didn't really know what to do with kids.  Celeste was around a bunch, mainly serving Mistress Norla and didn't have much to do with him.  Kira taught him the bow and sling, and seemed happy to do that, but otherwise was distant.  He thought that she was probably still in mourning for Tishpack who was murdered by his former companions when they broke their word and the truce they had agreed to.  Ishara did feed him, make sure his clothes were clean and mended - she even made him some more things to wear, and made sure he bathed often - at least often in his opinion.  But it seemed to be something she did as a just a job.  So he was happy to have someone friendly to talk to.

When Master Porter said that he had visited Mama San's the boy looked up at him, thinking.

"I wasn't really thinking that, well mostly," he said quietly, his face reddening a bit.  "Just something I just kind of thought maybe."

His faced scrunched up in concentration as he counted rapidly on his fingers.

"I not be sure how old I is.  My mother, she died when I was 'bout two an it been near six years so I gotta be seven or so, I think."

OOC - Norla, a kindly witch.
That's hilarious. 
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Thu 18 May 2023.

When the boy said he didn't know how old he was Porter's heart turned to ice.  Could he be this boys father in truth?  It wasn't like he frequented The Palace every other day.  Just a few times, he thought haphazardly.  Well, ok, a few times each year.  And then there was The Chicken Ranch.  And Fat Fannie's Tavern.  And then there were The House of Virtue, The Infirmary, and Magic Molli's Bar & Casino where a sign hangs over the bar, 'Liquor in the front, poker in the rear.'  An involuntary smile crossed his lips at that naughty word play.  But his mind quickly returns to the issue at hand.  Could he be this boys father?  As he mulled it over he supposed it could be possible that he has unwittingly fathered at least one child out of wedlock.  And as he reflects upon it he realizes he hasn't had committed relationships since the passing of his late wife years ago, instead more the passing of ships in the night.

The boy counts on fingers and reveals his estimated age.  Seven or so.  The big man exhales slowly, relieved.  ”No son.  I aint been going more than about four years.  Five tops.”

Without realizing he's doing it Porter fingers the pouch at his waist, softly flicking his coin purse.  Its light.  Not nearly full enough for his comfort.  He looks down at his dress.  He had managed to earn enough over the years for a fine working weapon and a few meager pieces of leather armor but he lacks a full suit, or better yet, a proper soldiers suit of metal armor.  There is money to be made here and he is eager to get to work.  And then his mind wanders backwards for a moment.  ”Daniel.  I've heard stories of wizards.  Warlocks who can raise a cow into the air, or change a milk bucket into a ballgown.  And of course I've heard stories of witch's who can put maidens to sleep for months at a time.  But to be honest I've never met a real wizard.  I have no idea if what I've heard are just children's stories, or accounts of actual magic users.  What can you do Daniel?  If you don't mind sharing?”


OOC:
I know right.  If Porter only knew Norla's true character.  I have a feeling when he finds out it wont go well for him.

I think Porter has exhausted the getting-to-know-you portion of what he wanted to ask Daniel.  I'm ready to meet the governor, or we can continue the fun banter if the boss is busy.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Thu 18 May 2023.

Runt thought for a moment, considering what he should tell Master Porter.  The man seemed real nice, but just maybe he shouldn't reveal all the spells he knew.  One thing he had learned (the hard way) on the streets of Craine is that you should always try and keep at least one trick hidden, just in case.

"I don't know much really, but I can make sounds and make people itch like they gots fleas."  He paused for a second.  "Well, sometimes.  I ain't very good yet.  You wanna see?"

He closed his eyes and concentrated, opening himself up and drawing in Mana.  He focused on the sound of the bells in the Cathedral in Craine, made the gestures and spoke the Words, releasing the spell.  And hoped for the best.


OOC - fingers crossed that this works.

Porter had asked to see some tricks and he was not disappointed though he wasn't entirely sure what he was going to see, or expected to see.  After all if the boy had just begun learning what could he do?  While the big man knew nothing of doing magic he imagined learning it was like learning just about anything else.  The basics must come first as a foundation and the more complex things built on top of that.

And then he wondered something he'd never thought of before.  Did the size of the wizard relate to the size of the effect?  Could Daniel for example summon a beagle sized dog while Porter, if he knew magic, summon a great dane sized dog?  An intriguing idea.

When the boy tells that he knows how to make sounds and make people think they are itching, Porter chuckles quietly to himself.  His mind instantly creates a scene of a group of young wizarding boys using their new spell to make farting sounds much to the annoyance of their middle aged teacher.

OOC - LOL, I didn't even consider that, but now that it's been mentioned it will be attempted somewhere down the road.  ;-))

With a nod at their departure, the three men walk out of the small chapel, Runt leading the way with Porter while Agador trails a step or two behind.  Walking together, the three men look something like odd-sized nesting dolls, Porter a massive specimen of a man that dwarfs the other two, Agador strong in his own right, though not yet full grown, and Runt, the smallest by far of the three, not even rising up to Porter's waist.

As they walk and talk, Porter searches the small town with his eyes, looking for signs of the locale's character, what sort of people live here, what sort of rules exist, and which ones of those are followed.

His initial observations glean him little.

The buildings here are almost exclusively a chalky, red brick, and decidedly new.  The windows are small and high, leaving little opportunity for voyeurism without standing right at the edge and glaring inward.  What little wood is used on the structures here are dedicated to the higher buildings, particularly the high watch towers that stand at two corners of the town.

Runt leads on, walking the back length of a long, two-story structure.  On their right, a small and empty open-air market spans the distance between the three and the largest structure in the town, a thirty-foot stone and brick citadel that is some sixty feet wide and complete with frontal parapets.

Runt makes his way around the edge of the building, revealing on the other side several more single-story buildings, some in various states of semi-construction, and Porter notes a mule-cart laden with the muddy red cubes and a pair of masons spreading paste as they continue their construction.  Porter's glance stays one the two men for several moments, but they do not speak, nor seem to take any note of Porter, but continue laying the bricks a few at a time in silence.

At the door of the small tavern, Runt finally stops as he is beckoned by Porter to show him something of the magic he has learned.  Starting slowly and not entirely sure of himself, Runt begins to move his hands and feet in the precise motions that Norla has dictated.  Expecting little, if anything of his spell, Runt is surprised and quite happy with himself as he hears the clear peal of the church bells of Craine.  Not loud, but clear and unmistakable.

Agador's head turns at the sound, his eyebrows raised and a look of stern appraisal across his face.

Just then, the inn's door opens, and Runt turns his head to see Rudyard, the middle aged merchant whose cart he stowed away on to hide from Deng... starting a whole new chapter of his life in this remote corner of Megalos.

"Eh Runt?  Good to see you are well!  I had thought the worst had happened for sure when you ran away from us like that!"

OOC:  Great roleplay between the two of you, thanks for filling in the time.  I tried to do justice to Porter's request for looking at laws and rules, but there isn't a lot of people watching at the moment.  There will be more evidence on that front in time for sure.

I stopped here as Runt took you to the tavern/inn first and it seemed appropriate to give a moment for the reacquaintance.  Feel free to ask Rudyard for information as desired.  Porter, please roll vs. reaction or any normal social skill.

OOC - has Rudyard and company been in Three Corners the past two months or have they been back to Craine and soforth?

Runt was not sure what was different about his casting, but he was sure that something was.  Still, he was very pleased that it had worked, and better than he would have expected.

He nodded his head in greeting to the man in the inn's doorway.

"Master Rudyard, this be Master Porter and his son Agador.
They be new to Three Corners."   He turned to Porter.  "Master Porter, this be Master Rudyard.  He runs caravans from Craine."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Mon 29 May 2023.

Porter strolls through the town impressed by the sheer size of this small outpost.  Clearly they expect big things from the town given all the building going on.

And then something miraculous happens.  Well, not exactly miraculous.  A miracle would be if Porter were to cure a blind man's eyes to make him see again, or heal a crippled woman's long dead legs so that she could walk again, as the big former soldier would be a conduit for the Lord's power.  No, Porter decides after some thought, what has happened, is...the result of hard work?  But the replication of sounds from Craine only beg more questions.  The big man smiles appreciatively at the boy and nods.   ”Daniel, that is quite a talent you have.  Can anyone learn to do that?  Could I for instance?”


Then a man comes by and casual introductions are made.  He seems nice enough, he cares about the boy's welfare.  Porter is so distracted by the town that he doesn't notice the man use the name Runt.  The big man sticks his hand out to shake.  ”Nice to meet you Rudyard.  Ahhh Craine.  Fantastic.  We're from Craine.”, he adds calmly.  He continues now focusing his attention on the man.  ”I wonder what you could tell us of the town.  Agador and I are looking for work. Sounds like we need to speak with the governor first.  To see if he has work for us?”

"Used to run caravans from Craine."  Rudyard interjects after Runt's comments.  "Last one I ran got overrun by bandits as Runt well knows."  The middle aged man sighs.  "Lost most everything.  I tried to scrape together enough to head back to Craine, but there wasn't much left...  Found this place after a few days...  No one running it.  Seemed right to take care of it until the proprietor came back.  Help out everyone, you know."

Rudyard looks over at Porter, nodding in greeting and offering a hand as the man introduces himself.  "What can I tell you?  Well, it's uptight."  Rudyard simpers a single laugh, a half-smile playing on his face.  "Get up in arms over odd stuff.  But most everybody is all right.  Most just do their job and keep their head down."

The three chatter in conversation for another few minutes, chartering a room for Agador and Porter.  Rudyard admits that he doesn't have much in the way of furniture yet, though he's managed to dig up some blankets just in case.

In time, the three say their goodbyes, and Runt leads Porter and Agador on, this time walking through the empty marketplace and across to the small citadel.

The stone and brick building climbs up above the rest of the small village, though this building too is unfinished.  The front entryway now is only an empty stone arch some ten feet high, with no doors nor gates, nor anything else that could bar entry in from the outside.

Nor is there anything to block out sound, for Porter can hear people within... shouting... long before he makes the entrance.

"...AND THEY BROOD AND THEY PLOT!  AND THAT DAMN BRASHEAR!  THE ARMY IS SWORN TO PROTECT THIS AREA AND HIS SWORD IS POINTED ONLY AT ME!"

Runt slows, unsure exactly what the protocol is for seeing the governor, what with no real front door.  In the half-moment of silence, another voice can be heard, one that is calm and unwavering.

"No one..."

But the shouting carries on, drowning the other voice in a tsunami of volume.

"IT'S TREASON!  IT'S UNCONSCIONABLE!  WHAT BUT THEY WOULD ALL DIE FROM CHOKING ON THEIR OWN!..."

But at just that moment, Runt and the two others step to the threshold of the door and the shouting ceases, two men stand within the room, both looking at the newcomers.

The first man is red in the face from shouting and wears various frills of privilege.  His jacket is embroidered with gold thread and he wears a broadsword at his hip that is embellished with a large peridot on the hilt.  It doesn't take much insight to realize this man is Broskow, governor of Three Corners.

The other man is much shorter and stands in stark contrast.  His face is nearly empty of expression, though his eyes are alert and focused.  He wears simple clothing, with an odd sort of wooden mesh armor covering his torso.  This man too wears a sword, though this one is simple with no hilt.  It has a long grip like a bastard sword though the blade itself appears to be much slighter.  Runt knows the man to be named Kempei, though he has never personally met him.

The room itself is a large antechamber, built for business.  A large table covers most of the width of the room, and there are various maps and papers haphazardly spread out across it.  At the back of the room are five different doors, the three middle ones larger and more ornate and the outer ones small and simple.

"What is this?"  Broskow asks, his tone suddenly dropping several octaves, though his voice has the hint of a rasp brought on by his shouting.  "Who are you?"

His eyes stray immediately to Agador, his eyes fixing on the blue tabard over the boy's shirt.

"You belong to one of the orders?"  He asks just above a whisper, his eyes returning to Porter.

OOC:  Porter, please roll for reaction.  If you wish to roll vs diplomacy or another social skill feel free to do that as well.

Sorry if I cut off the discussion with Rudyard early, as with the other threads I had the feeling that we had to get moving or else everyone was going to lose interest.  Also, it didn't seem like any of the characters were taking actions that were going to alter any of the story lines.

As the trio walked up to the official residence Runt noted the lack of a door and more importantly the lack of anyone one there to keep people out.  Heck just anyone could wander in, like they were about to do.  Man, this really is the sticks.  If this was Craine, there'd be least one guard on a place this important, he thought.  The sound of someone shouting was evident well before they were at the doorway.

He was at somewhat of a loss as how to respond to the governor, so he fell back on the old tried and true form of address when confronted with people of high station.

"Your Lordship, this is Master Porter and his son Agador.  They have just arrived from Craine.  Mistress Norla told me to bring them to meet you."  He spoke more slowly and carefully as Norla had taught.

Porter is cautiously happy as he approaches the town hall.  It had been as he expected, more or less.  A town in the process of being built, full of people, some nice and friendly…some not so much.   The trick was figuring out who was who before you had to pull a knife out of your back.

As they enter the large structure it occurs to the simple man that either the governor is so confident in the lack of an attack that he would leave the doors wide open, or he’s not very bright to be screaming about treason for all to hear.  Time will reveal the nature of this man Porter thinks to himself.

The big man easily makes a guess about the governor.  Impulsive, childish, short sighted.  He reminds himself wearily all is not always as it seems.  But he is much more interested in the small man with the strange weapon and wooden armor.  He is stoic, alert and full of controlled concentration.   It’s likely this man is thinking three moves ahead of everyone else.  These kinds of men are usually great do-ers.   But what kind of man is he?   Like the hammer, a man who builds?   Or like the fire, a man who tears things down?

Following on the heels of the boys introduction the ex-soldier sticks out a hand in friendship, first to Broskow.  ”Like Daniel said, name's Porter.  And this is my son, Agador.”. The big man cocks a fist thumb out and jerks it lightly towards his tall and athletic son.  ”As Daniel said we’re new here and looking for work.  The man in the church said we’d need to talk to you straight away as yours might be most important.”.  Porter was tempted to use the word urgent but important he thought would make the man feel more important.

The stone man suddenly asks about their order.  Was he paranoid or did the locals seem too interested in their affiliation with St Micheal?  Or was it Agador?  Did they somehow know of Agador's destiny?  Had Michael come to them in their prayers and foretold of the coming of the boy, just as Micheal had come to him and guided him on the training of his boy?  There was no way to know for certain and this was not the place to show his cards. Turning to the alert man Porter answers warmly, ”We are Michaelites.“


OOC:
No worries on fast forwarding though Porter would have liked to ask Rudyard a few questions about his trips.  The relevant questions would be about the bandits.   Porter is assuming he and Agador might be pushed that way so he’s trying to gather intel.  Supplies, tactics and a base would be most interesting.  Another relevant question I would have had is for Rudyard to elaborate on how the towns people over react.   To not washing hands after the outhouse, or wearing arms unbound throughout the town?

Broskow barely acknowledges Runt, instead his eyes wander between Agador and Porter, waiting for one of them to talk.  When Porter does answer, Broskow's face immediately breaks from suspicion to a subdued smile.

"Yes, of course it's the most important!"  He puffs out his chest, a look of self-satisfaction.  "For I am Lord Enion Broskow, son of The Baron Arvey!"  For a moment, Broskow looks down his nose at the two, though he deflates his chest slightly as he adds, "Though I'm sure you already knew that.  You seem quite ahead of the rest."

"And knights to boot."  Broskow adds after a moment, narrowing his eyes and donning a contemplative look as he turns momentarily towards his retainer Kempei.

"Yes... there is no doubt I have work for you...  Yes."  He turns back towards Porter.  "You see... there are bandits that plague this region... they have for some time no doubt.  Recently, they have taken to scouting in parties of three in the hills to the north, looking for easy prey amongst our people."

Porter notes that Kempei retrains his gaze, switching from glancing between Porter and Agador to Broskow, a quirk nestled into his brow.

"You see."  Broskow continues, "These men flout my rule... they flout our laws.  Indeed, they fly in the face of the very law of God."  Broskow clenches a fist in front of his face before looking back down at Agador and Porter.

"...But I am not without mercy...  Misguided they are...  enraptured by their leader who is a hooligan and a miscreant!  But they deserve a second chance.  So if you are able, bring in one of their patrols alive...  or at least as many of them as you can...  You there boy."

He gestures his chin towards Runt.

"You can join them to even the odds.  Though I have no doubt you shant need the help!"

Broskows eyes dance, jumping upwards in excitement.  "And if you succeed in this humble task, you shall be first in line to join my personal retinue!  What do you think would be a fair price for this task?  Two marks each?  With a bonus if you take in all of the men alive?"

"If these men spurn the Lord, then they are bandits indeed."  Agador says, his jaw clenched roughly and with steel to his voice.

OOC:  Broskow is offering each of you $400 to bring in the bandits alive, with a bonus if all three make it.

Also, it's worth noting that Broskow has done all the talking so far.  Kempei has remained entirely silent since you have entered.  Sorry if my post made it seem otherwise.

As for your questions for Rudyard, he wouldn't have had much addition.  He would have told you of the caves in the canyon up north, but that he's heard that the caves have been cleared out since, so they must have moved elsewhere.  As for elaborating on their over-reactions, he would have gotten a little squishy in his response, saying something to the effect that sometimes it wasn't what you did, but who you were sometimes.  People seems cliquish.  He will definitely note that there are heavy religious overtones in the town though.

After Runt made the introduction, he stepped back to let the adults talk.  His task had been to show the newcomers around the tiny settlement and bring them to the Governor.  That done, keep quiet and stay out of the way (and hopefully out of notice), but keep his ears open for anything that might be interesting.

He was dismayed when the Governor included him in the order to go out and capture some of the bandits he said were infesting the area, but kept his face neutral and mouth very shut.  He'd have to wait till he and Master Porter and his son had left before he expressed how little he felt he would be of use to the enterprise.  Not to mention he would need to get Mistress Norla's permission to accompany them.  He did not have a good feeling about this at all.

OOC - Oh joy, Runt really doesn't like this, but will do what the adults tell him.
 And he knows that the reward offered was to Porter and Agador, not him.  Now, as a player, I think I might know where this is leading and it might be interesting.  At the least, it will be fun, for the player that is.  ;-)

The big man and his son are well received and it relieves the former soldier.  He bows slightly at the nobles self identified title.  ”Well met Lord Broskow, the pleasure is mine.”  Porter takes the compliments in stride but softly corrects the nobleman to make sure there is no confusion.  Having the man assume Porter and his son are knights and discovering the truth at a later date could invite problems the big man would rather not heap on his plate.  He chuckles and waves a hand lightly.  ”You flatter me my Lord but we are not in truth knights.  Just servants of St Michael.”

As he listens to the proposition Porter begins to think he misjudged this town.  A bandit problem.  Both Daniel and Rudyard have seen it up close.  This seems smart, fair and just.   Find the bandit patrols and bring them back alive to answer questions and serve out punishment.  Perhaps the odd subtle behavior of the man and Norla was nothing.  Maybe Broskow's yelling as he arrived at the town hall has merit.  Its possible that his faint feelings of something weird are nothing more than suspicion and paranoia in a new unfamiliar place.

And then Broskow directs the boy to come along, to attempt to capture grown men who mean to waylay innocent victims, weaker than they are, for theft and possibly kidnapping and ransom.  And if the bandits find out we bounty hunters have come to bring them in and our capture serves no purpose, then what?  Maiming and death?  Is that the governor's idea, that Daniel is so young and so small that he'd be overlooked as a potential target?  And then he adds that Daniel's presence will even the odds.  Its a good thing Porter wasn't drinking at that very moment or surely he would have spit every drop out in a cloud of wet mist.  The big man does not turn his head much in order to hide his disbelief, instead he casts a quick side glance at Agador to see if the boy has the same read, and then Daniel to see if the big man missed something so far.  Bulging boy muscles hiding under his small peasant shirt, a magical sword that bursts into flames upon command, or a swarm of giant sized rats hidden in his pocket?  No, he thought not.  Just a boy with boyish strength and no weapon to speak of who knows how to make sounds.  All of his reassuring platitudes fade away and the nagging whispers that something isn't right here begin chanting again.

But Porter rolls with the punches in stride.  He steels himself and asks stoically.  ”Pardon my ignorance governor.  You said something 'bout their leader, a hooligan and a miscreant?  What can you tell us about him?”


OOC:
Porter will observe whatever the proper etiquette is when meeting a Lord.  He will kiss a little ass without over doing it.

I am fine with the offer of $400 per person, I assume that means all three of us?  Plus a bonus if we bring them all back alive.

Porter would mention that while new in town he's heard that the bandits may have operated out of some caves to the north and that they may have been evacuated.  He would ask what Broskow and his people know about the bandits, their operations and the cave lair.  And to mark it on the maps in the room.  And since patrols have been spotted, where does Broskow think the new hideout is.

Also, Porter doesn't have any way to bind prisoners so he would like to borrow three pairs of locking shackles and/or rope to bind prisoners.  If this needs to be role played I'm good with that.