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Post by reylan on Jun 30, 2011 11:35:19 GMT -6
Reylan followed Tirion and his cohorts into the tavern, somewhat eager to hear his plan. At first glance, the ginger-bearded fellow didn't seem like much of a tactician, but that notion could be proven false.
Grimacing, Reylan took a seat, his muscles still conveying varying degrees of soreness. He took a quick visual assessment of who was around him, some familiar faces entering his line of sight. Tirion, of course, Zeran, the thief whom he had met earlier, the gaunt-looking garbed man, and Velnn.
With an attentive demeanor, Reylan made no noise as Tirion prepared to begin the briefing once everyone was situated.
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Sextimus
The "Before" years
[M:0]
There was a beauty in that, one Tim did not fully understand. But that was ok, he felt it.
Posts: 28
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Post by Sextimus on Jun 30, 2011 20:52:37 GMT -6
Tim turned his neck at the sound of a familiar voice. He grimaced when he saw the theif from earlier, Zeran. It wasn't so much that he had a problem with Zeran, it was more so that he didn't like thieves in the first place. The generic thief was just a bandit who didn't have the muscle to carry an axe, so they relied on lighter weapons, like daggers and swords. Regardless of the weapon they used, either one of them was willing to slit your throat if it meant they could get into your purse. Of course, most thieves wouldn't want to pick a fight with a giant, like Tirion, or a well trained mercenary for that matter. Considering everything, the idea of Zeran being a threat was ludicrous. Tim shook his head, trying rid himself of his neurotic thoughts.
Tim sighed, he wished Leontius or Domitiana were there. They'd be able to give him some council. Hell, even Silvanis, as much of a terror as she was, would be at least be able to assure him of his thougts. Ok, that was a lie, if any of those people were there, they'd probably abduct him and bring him back to the farm, and Tim would rather brave the heat of the plains then go back to that suppressive home. Besides, he couldn't lean on his siblings if he needed a problem to be solved. That was part of the reason he was taking up this job.
The burly Sacaen interrupted his paranoia, attracting his attention. The plan? O, wonderful. Tim was eager to hear this plan of Tirions. He wanted to know more about his job, plus he loved tactic. He followed the other mercs and took a seat, a smile on his face, his hands folded.
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jul 3, 2011 9:17:48 GMT -6
OoC: Gonna drag Velnn and Zeran to the table since they're taking so long to post. Sorry, guys, but it's been a while and I want to get the thread moving.
Once everyone was seated, Tirion rummaged through his bag to pull out a large piece of parchment. He unrolled it on the table's wooden surface, revealing a highly intricate map of Sacae. It was a Norric made map, with illuminated braid designs lining the edges of it and notes in old Norric that said things like "Good Sableweed Here" and "Elder Spirit Forsaken War Here". In the north western portion of the map, two structures were drawn that resembled cities. One was labeled "Moughlongaard" and the other "Faerdearichk", the older versions of the two cities' names.
"This is me da's map o tha plains. From what I've gathered, we are here." Tirion placed a meaty finger on a blank point of the map that was practically in the middle of Sacae, "This is an old map so Bulgar ain't on it, o course. Mullingard... is here." he pointed at the city labeled "Moughlongaard".
"I'd venture a guess it's about a two week trek o'er there. But it'll be longer since we've ta stop here first." Tirion pointed at a spot between the first two points he designated, 'That's where me da says tha Kutolah tribe will be in a week or so. I need ta stop there ta pick up some soldiers. It wouldn't hurt ta resupply there, too."
Tirion leaned back in his chair.
"O' course, not all o' us will be leavin' tha Kutolah settlement right away. I need a volunteer ta train some nomads in tha art o' war. Ready 'em fer a siege. Reylan. Ye have proper military trainin', ye said. Maybe ye'd be up fer this?" The swordsman signaled a wench over that was busy cleaning up an empty table, "I'd have us all stay there while they get their trainin', but if'n I know Halford the way I do, he'll be workin' fast. Plus, the Kutolah dislike havin' ta entertain so many fer very long."
The bar wench reached the table and inquired as to what they wanted.
"I'll take a pint o' yer best dark beer, if'n ye have any. As black as ye got. If not, then I'll have a pint o' mead."
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Post by reylan on Jul 3, 2011 10:25:58 GMT -6
Reylan gazed at the map, silently acknowledging how well it was made. He listened intently and sternly to Tirion's briefing, his earlier suspicions fading away as the ginger-haired warrior explained his well-formulated plan. The trek to Mullingard was roughly two weeks, without factoring in the time he'd take to recruit more soldiers from a Kutolah tribe. This setback would further be emphasized if Reylan accepted Tirion's request to train some nomads, to which the former responded to with a noble nod.
"I used to serve in Ostia's cavalier division, so yes, I know quite a bit about siege tactics. I'll do some basic lance training as well, just to be sure. I've led a small battalion before, so training soldiers isn't all that new to me. I'll do it, Tirion."
Just as Reylan finished his statement, the bar wench approached the table. Reylan was not all that hungry, but he was certainly parched.
"I'll have a mead as well," he said with a slight yawn.
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Sextimus
The "Before" years
[M:0]
There was a beauty in that, one Tim did not fully understand. But that was ok, he felt it.
Posts: 28
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Post by Sextimus on Jul 3, 2011 19:30:37 GMT -6
Tim's eagerness dimmed as he eyed the Norric map. The Norric natives he'd met were difficult to enough understand, but the old Norric on the parchment was just plain gibberish. He was thankful when Tirion placed his massive finger on the map, pointing out his city's location. Tim listened intently to the rest of the large Norric-man's plan. He was still impressed that the red-haired warrior had managed to enlist the aid of the Kutolah tribe. If the Norric tribe was as secluded as Tirion had made it out to be, then the Kutolah had next to no relation with the them. The way Sextimus saw it, the Kutolah were fighting a war for a people they didn't even know. Surely, Tirion had been blessed by Elimine. Not only did he have the army of an alien nation at his command, but within the short span of one day, he had recruited a mercenary force two thirds the size of Tim's brother's. Of course, Tirion was a lot less picky when it came to recruitment, but nevertheless, the fact that this massive man had done so much with so little was staggering.
With his fascinations dealt with, Tim was about to raise a question, when Reylan threw out a response of his own. The man was a former Ostian cavalier? Interesting. Tim was a little disappointed that he hadn't already guessed that. After all, the cavalier's armor was a dead give away. It was much more professional then anything he'd ever seen on a mercenary. That was the thing about mercenaries and soldiers. You could generally guess which one was which based on the quality and coverage offered by the armor. For example, you would expect a soldier to wear a complete set of armor, while you'd find that most mercenaries wore but a single pauldron and maybe a breastplate. Part of this was because mercs traveled a lot more then soldiers, and part of it was because mercs didn't have the funding that went into an army. Tim had picked up on such things during his work at the farm.
Tim was once again about to speak when the wench turned and looked at him. “Um, I'm fine with some water, thank you.” Tim said, hoping that choosing a non-alcoholic beverage wouldn't attract attention from the others. Sextimus didn't understand the fascination with men and alcohol. As far as he was concerned the beverage had completely undesirable tastes. Assuming nobody else would interrupt him, Sextimus finally cast his two cents. “I'm not much of a strategist, Tirion, but all things considered the plan sounds... sound.” He ended awkwardly. He pointed the slim index finger of his right hand on the mid-point where Tirion's finger once rested, and then on the Norric city of Mullingard. “I do have a question though.” Tim began. “While Reylan is busy prepping the nomads for a siege, what shall the rest of us do? Some kind of reconnaissance?” Tim asked, a hint of hopefulness in his voice. Killing, war, siege tactics, Tim was unfamiliar with the lot of it, but what he was familiar with was seeing while not being seen. It looked like all of that hunting was finally paying off.
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Iorran (Tirion)
The "Before" years
[M:5]
Only united will we find salvation.
Posts: 88
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Post by Iorran (Tirion) on Jul 3, 2011 20:38:00 GMT -6
Tirion smiled at Reylan's willingness to volunteer for the task he had picked out for him. Originally, he was going to leave the training to Garnet, but it seemed as though the first to join his group was no where to be found.
"Wonderful! Well while-" then Sextimus chimed in. Tirion was slightly off put by his apparent desire to get a word in before Tirion was truly finished with the details. The wench took the rest of the orders and ran off to fetch them. The swordsman took a slightly annoyed breath before continuing.
"I wasn't finished, Tim. I was just askin' Reylan if'n he'd be willin' ta take tha job." Tirion cleared his throat, "Anyway, while Reylan is with tha Kutolah, tha rest o' us will be headin' ta Mullingard. Me an' me da are sure ta be spotted by some guards so we'll be hidin' in tha back o' a wagon."
Tirion went to his bag again and produced a similar roll of parchment to the map on the table.
"Ye'll all meet tha owner o' tha wagon tomorrow. Now." the Norricman began as he unrolled the parchment over the map. The parchment was revealed to be a map of similar design, but of a city in a shape that, if one squinted, resembled an open eye. A large river ran through the middle with bridges connecting the two halves. It was clearly divided into "ring"s (that looked more like semi-circles with the river cutting them in half) that designated districts within the city. The centermost "ring" housed the largest building in the city which sat atop a gigantic hill. On the other bank of the river from the huge building was situated a collection of large buildings. The entire center ring was surrounded by a thickly drawn wall, making it look more like a castle separated by a huge river than a district.
The districts outside the walls were much less distinct as to their purpose than the center one. Mostly smaller buildings and roads. Outside the next four districts was a wall surrounding the entire city. Outside the wall were more buildings, likely farm houses as there were also crop fields drawn around the city. The final portion of the map of note was a set of structures tot he north west of the city that resembled a military camp surrounded by a palisade.
Like with the previous map, there were labels and scriblings in old Norric all over it. Some made Tirion chuckle upon looking at them.
"This is Mullingard. Tha map's dated so that blasted church an' a few pubs ain't here, but it's fairly accurate. We'll steal inside o' tha city through this gate..." Tirion pointed at the eastern gate to the city, "... in tha wagon. It's tha least guarded gate due ta it bein' farthest from Faerderick. Sextimus, Velnn, Zeran, an' Talia will ose as travellin' merchants bein' escorted by Kaela. She has Norric blood in her so she can pass as Norric an' vouch fer us ta get in."
Tirion looked at his half-sister. Though only having met her recently, she was crucial to the plan. Not anyone can get into Mullingard. Unfortunately, the place was still quite secluded and one would need to be Norric themselves to even be considered passage through the gates. He and his father couldn't get them in because they would be recognized at once by the guards, who of which all worked for Halford. And Seamus wouldn't work because he mentioned being banished from the city.
"Once inside, we need ta find me best friend, Cray. No doubt he's begun to expect things t'ain't what they should be. With hope, he'll have Antaine, a siege commander friend, with him, who I can send yer way, Reylan."
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Post by reylan on Jul 3, 2011 21:05:36 GMT -6
Reylan hadn't even noticed that the gaunt-looking man had even sat down with the group. Both him and Tirion were slightly put off by his unnecessary interjection, especially since what Tirion was saying applied to Reylan. It seemed that the latter would be staying with the Kutolah while the rest of the group would go to Mullingard.
Even though Reylan was omitted from the Mullingard trek, he still took the liberty of examining the map that Tirion had laid out for the crew. Like the previous one, the labels were written out in an unfamiliar language. Mullingard itself seemed to be engineered in such a way that somewhat resembled an eye, similar to the manor designs back in Lycia, but on a much larger scale. It was a glorious sight to behold, even though it was only on a piece of parchment.
Reylan then casually listened to Tirion go over his plan of entry into the area, albeit with less intent since this did not apply to him. He did return to full attention when Tirion stated that he would send a siege commander named Antaine his way once they were safely within Mullingard's walls.
"Fair enough," Reylan said with a noble nod. "What should I do until then? Give a short briefing on the basics of warfare? I do know a lot about sieging, but I feel that this Antaine person would specialize in such tactics."
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Jul 5, 2011 10:36:59 GMT -6
A short girl sat by herself in the corner of the tavern, watching the red-haired man and those sitting around him talk. Well, she was listening as well, and their discussion truly sounded quite fascinating. She had wanted to go over there and introduce herself, but… She was a tad bit intimidated by the large man. Heh. It was an odd feeling for Isabel LeFury, being intimidated to the point of not going over immediately to introduce herself. But the young pupil of the dark arts was by herself, no one but herself to keep herself protected. So caution was always a good idea… And any of those men could easily overpower her. However, even now, she was now struggling to keep herself from going over there and butting into their conversation. Maybe they would notice her? Oh gods, that would be embarrassing… Isabel quickly turned her head away from that group, and took a big gulp of water. Maybe when they were done with their discussion, she would go and talk to one of them... Yes. That sounded like a plan to her.
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Sextimus
The "Before" years
[M:0]
There was a beauty in that, one Tim did not fully understand. But that was ok, he felt it.
Posts: 28
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Post by Sextimus on Jul 5, 2011 20:25:03 GMT -6
Tim was taken aback by the abrasive response he'd received from the massive Sacaen. He retreated further when he noted the un-amused expression of the Ostian. "Ah, of course." He muttered, avoiding eye-contact. He couldn't really argue that he had been in the right, he'd jumped into a conversation between Tirion and Reylan after all. Even so, his pride couldn't help but be hurt. His mood soured further when Tirion explained the rest of the plan. Infilitration? But... but recon was something he could have done. O witches and bores. He'd gotten himself so excited for some reconnaissance, and now he learned that he'd have to be sneaking around in the open. How disappointing, he'd just have to find some other way to make himself useful.
Sextimus sighed, feeling put down and without use. He half-listened half-stared into space. His eyes drifted between the Sacaen and the Ostian's head, until he realized that he was staring at another man, a fairly large brute in the face. Wonderful, he must have been one of the men Tim had bumped into on his way through the bar. Stricken with fear, his gaze immediately jumped from the bruiser to a respectably tall woman, some few tables away. She was cloaked in blue, young in appearance, and had a very fair face. She was cute but necessarily beautiful, as Tim would put it. His real interest came when he realized that she was looking at his group. And by the looks of it, she was staring at Tirion. Was she, enamored with the young Sacaen? By Elibe, did this man have some kind of limitless fortune? He had himself an ocean of warriors at but a few words, and now he could garner the attention of young women without saying so much as a single phrase. Tim sighed, with a hint of annoyance. This man could have so much, by doing so little. Perhaps that was just how leaders worked. They were naturally born with a charisma that would be denied by none. It reminded him of Leon, and even Publius to an extent.
Tim drew his eyes from the fair young lady and placed them on Tirion. He was about to inform him of the keen young girl across the room, when he remembered that he was probably just going to unnecessarily interrupt them again. He didn't feel like being reprimanded again, so he felt it would be better to keep his mouth shut. At least the first time he tried to say something, it was to a valid, if not timely, question. Cutting the two men this time would just be asking for trouble. So Tim with-held his observations, slightly pleased in being able to spite his boss. It wasn't so much that Tim was angry at Tirion for his reproach, he was aware that he shouldn't have thrown himself into the two men's conversation. It was more so that he was jealous of Tirion. Yes, jealous was an accurate word. He came off as one of those men that the world just gave things to. He had smarts, strength, charisma, women, followers. They all just seemed to lay themselves out in front of the red-haired warrior's feet. But perhaps what really irked Tim was that he'd put up with such unfairness while living with his siblings. The whole, the world will pamper some of us and throw the others into the corner, thing, had run its course.
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Calvin Toros
Pupil
Friendship gives value to survival
Posts: 154
Profession: Bard
Affinity: Light
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Post by Calvin Toros on Jul 6, 2011 18:41:23 GMT -6
((OOC: the first paragraph of this post is just Calvin arriving in Bulgar about a Day before now))
Calvin approached the gates of Bulgar. Living alone on the coast with his family gave him little knowledge on the surrounding civilization, even that in which he lived. The only other place in Sacae, known to him was the Capital, Bulgar. It was the ideal destination, or so he though. He was heading to Bern, however reaching there by foot could take an unpredictable number of days and Calvin would have to make a stop somewhere along the way, Bulgar being within survival distance and also a capital SHOULD HAVE BEEN an ideal destination, however unfortunately it was still and incredible distance from his home. Calvin had been travelling for almost 2 days straight and had run out of supplies after the first day. Meaning he was now Exhausted parches and starved. He made his way through the gates… and somehow through the crowds, where he arrived at the Tavern he immediately spent half his funds on a large meal, some drinks and a bed for the night, although not entirely expensive Calvin had little funds to begin with. Calvin slept through the entire day, not waking until 4 or 5 in the evening.
After such a long rest and a wholesome meal Calvin was ready to set sail once again. He took about an hour gathering his belongings and checking out of the inn. Afterwards he had to make a quick decision. He could stay at Bulgar another night and use his remaining hours to find work, however if he didn’t find work he’d have used all his money and be too exhausted to work when arriving at Bern. OR he could leave now and save his money, and then use it to rest up in Bern when he arrived, hoping to find work then. Either way it all depended on whether or not he could find work… He decided he didn’t want to travel again so soon so headed to the tavern to see if he could earn some play time. He may not be able to wield a weapon but entertainment is desired by all.
Upon arrival at the tavern his intentions were clear, go straight to the counter and inquire about work. That is what he did, but was however, rejected. It did seem weird to expect someone to magically hire a bard with little to no experience. However Calvin did see something of interest, a large group of people, most of which appeared to be wielding weapons, huddled around a table together. It seems weird to just approach them, and even more intimidating to interrupt. Then he noticed a younger girl in the corner of the room watching them. Curiously he made his way to the table and sat down across from her.
”Excuse me… why are you spying on them?”
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Jul 6, 2011 19:28:54 GMT -6
Isabel almost gagged on her latest gulp of water as a boy younger than herself approached and asked why she was spying on people. Why, the nerve of this boy! He would ave to have been 'spying' on her to know that she was 'spying' on them! Which, for the record, she totally hadn't been. There was a difference between eavesdropping and spying, gosh darnit! At this point, Isabel snapped out of the conversation with herself and turned back to the rather cute boy. Heh, cute.
"I will have you know, I was not spying on them. And wouldn't you have to have been spying on me to know that I was just listening to their conversation?" Isabel asked the blond boy. "Now, allow me to turn the tables; why were you spying on me!" She shouted this last bit a little louder than she had intended. Oh god, she really hoped that didn't attract as much attention as it was sure to attract. Wait, that didn't make sense.
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Calvin Toros
Pupil
Friendship gives value to survival
Posts: 154
Profession: Bard
Affinity: Light
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Post by Calvin Toros on Jul 6, 2011 20:11:11 GMT -6
Calvin smiled gently and chuckled as the blue haired maiden gagged on her water in disgust at Calvins asumption. He sat quietly as the female loudly attempted to turn the tables on him. When she was done Calvin quickly responded in an equally loud tone.
"MY APOLOGIES!"
Calvin chuckled quietly before returning to an average volume.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way, not at all. I came in here looking for work, but when I failed, my attention was surely led to the large group of people huddled together supiciously. Then of course I happened to notice you watching them."
"I really came over here, wondering if you knew anything about it?"
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Jul 6, 2011 20:31:08 GMT -6
Isabel sat back in her seat, taking a good hard look at the boy, not answering his question for a moment. She smirked as she looked him up and down, and then crossed her arms and giggled a little. Funny, really. From what she had heard thus far from the group, this boy probably wasn't entirely sure what kind of work he was looking for. He sure didn't look like a warrior of any kind... Not even a mage like herself! Isabel motioned to a seat behind her. "Come on, you can sit with me while we wait for them to get done talking. And, once they are done, we can introduce ourselves!"
"And, as for what I know... What kind of work are you looking for, exactly?"
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Calvin Toros
Pupil
Friendship gives value to survival
Posts: 154
Profession: Bard
Affinity: Light
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Post by Calvin Toros on Jul 6, 2011 21:20:19 GMT -6
The blue haired girl examined Calvin before letting out a small giggle. Calvin wasn't much to look at. He couldn;t fight or use magic and only rellied on his musical skills to make a living. He wasn't very strong tall or intimidating, rather cute and compact. The fact that he carries a large bag full of his possesions, and travelled alone pretty much made him a vunerable target for theft.
However Calvin remained fortunate and so far his travells remained safe, keepign him as his peppy self.
"I'm a travelling bard, I can't fight or use magic so im not very strong, but i'm good with music. Although I'll accept any work I can find."
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Isabel
Shaman
It's been far too long since I last flexed my magical muscles!
Posts: 233
Profession: Witch for Hire
Affiliation: N/A
Affinity: Fire
OoC Alias: Izzy
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Post by Isabel on Jul 7, 2011 14:23:19 GMT -6
Isabel nodded as the boy talked, and then realized... They had been talking for a little while and they didn't even know each other's names! Wow, where were her manners! And for that matter, where were this boy's? By god! This 'bard', as he called himself, had terrible manners! Not even introducing himself to a lovely girl such as herself...
"Well, from what I've heard, you might not want to be going into what they're doing. Of course, with my magic, I'll probably ask if I can go along with them... So perhaps, if they let me come, I can protect you." Isabel said with a smirk, and put her tome on the table in front of her. I'll let him start the introductions... I don't want to do something that is something the guy is supposed to do first! Although, if he doesn't introduce himself soon, I suppose I'll just have to start the introductions...
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