Hoff
Thief
[M:0]
You can get much farther with a kind word and a sword than you can with a kind word alone.
Posts: 79
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Post by Hoff on Jan 30, 2012 22:53:28 GMT -6
(ooc: im sick and feel like poo, just going to throw this in really quick)
Hoff wasnt sure if he should retaliate against Erio after the rest of his breakfast disappeared, or apologize to the newcomer on her behalf. Not being able to make up his he decided to do neither. Waving his hand to Kasteen he spoke "Glad to see you could make it"
Feeling somewhat intimidated by the two flamboyant personalities, he shrugged their appearance at the same time and in the same inn in Bulgar as some crazy coincidence. These things happen, all of the time, when you are hanging out at an inn. It occurred to him that if they were looking for the same bandits, it would be silly to let them go off on their own, while the three of them attempted to look for the same group of troublemakers. Hoff, as usual, was unsure how to bring this up to the strangers - instead he kicked Erio under the table hard and nodded his head towards the two of them. He wasnt sure if it got the point across, but at least it was decent revenge for loosing half his delicious burrito.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2012 19:18:05 GMT -6
Erio frowned watching the gallant burrito do its work flawlessly with a resounding splat that made all in the inn turn their heads to look. The mashed beans ran down the flamboyant and boustrous redhead's face. He seemed to remind her of one of those men she would see on the streets of Etruria as a child. Always smoking from those nasty old pipes and leering down the street at all whom passed. Though of all the things her mind could recall their teeth were rotting in their heads, twisted black stumps looking more like shattered glass then what they had been originally. Their clothing hung their small skeletal forms as a stench wafted over to anyone who befell the horror of walking too close.
Though the flamboyant man looked far too self centered to let himself fall too such a level but their were similarities. Like when people on the upper floors emptied their chamber bots on top of them they would simply continue to smile in that same way the buffoon across the room did now. He was mad without a doubt she decided quickly turning away to glance back at Hoff to take her mind off of him. Only a madman could hold his head up that high after being hit in the face with a half eaten burrito.
She flinched at the kick the rouge gave her though her expression stayed the same mildly amused smile. On the other hand amber pools flared letting him know exactly what he should be afraid of soon enough. "Let us go" she said quietly as to not let the two men chattering like noblewoman overhear, "Those two are after them as well, this may come in handy, though for now I think it be best that we leave and gain some time to scout and plan." She smiled standing up and picking up her bag and lance before walking out of the inn
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Grayson
Nomad
[M:25]
Now isn't this amusing?
Posts: 105
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Post by Grayson on Feb 2, 2012 7:22:16 GMT -6
"So there is word of bandits? This works quite nicely for me." Grayson paused. He still wasn't very good at catching rumors. But he did assume that he would eventually find himself a town in need if he looked for long enough. It seemed his troubles were finally over, "I was honestly just staying in town. A stop in my journey to cut a swathe through the brigand plague that these plains are suffering."
He felt quite poetic that morning. There was something about this man that made him feel like his old, light-hearted self. Of course, it was enhanced with the experience and sense of justice he had accumulated on his travels. Grayson almost felt like giving a triumphant laugh, but stayed his glee for a moment. Perhaps he was getting too lost in the moment. He then looked down at his wine. Or perhaps he had lost his tolerance for wine and was feeling a bit drunk.
"Of course, most would mistake the trek as me aimlessly drifting from town to town. You would be surprised how many villages are perfectly fine around here. It seems to be mostly the roaming tribes that have to deal with bandits and they don't usually accept help." Grayson thought back to a time when he was "escorted" out of a Sacaean settlement with a blade to his throat. It was a miracle they didn't keep his horse, "Trust me. Not the loving type, most of those nomads."
The archer tipped his flagon back and allowed the wine to flow until his mouth was nearly full. With a large gulp, it all plummeted into his stomach. He needed some forget-me-juice at the moment. It helped him make light of his troubles. He noticed a woman with a spear leave the tavern. Was she there about the bandits, too, or did she just carry a weapon with her everywhere? Not even Grayson, after weeks literally looking for a fight, carried his bows with him into the tavern. He wondered if there might be a way to make a bow that was concealable. Foldable, perhaps. Or maybe one that you fired with one hand. Some sort of mechanical device like a small ballista.
Woah. He needed to cut back on the wine.
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Hoff
Thief
[M:0]
You can get much farther with a kind word and a sword than you can with a kind word alone.
Posts: 79
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Post by Hoff on Feb 3, 2012 17:28:35 GMT -6
Hoff walked out of the inn - the sun was brighter than he expected and was blinded for a bit as he headed down the street, squinting his way among the crowd. Musing to himself he thought on the early morning display "You know, if I were that mage, that place in would in flames by now. I think you should consider yourself lucky"
Assuming Kasteen and Erio were actually somewhere behind him, he continued on talking rather loudly. "To bandit killing!! Those fiends! Praying on defenseless.. rich...annoying.. merchants... what a pity." He himself hadn't been much of highwayman, back when there was opportunity for such things he hadnt really seen a lot of profit vs the danger.
His gang had preferred more refined methods. Their leader was a skilled businessman, working with the villages instead of just raising them to ground. Sure, there was plenty of fear and respect to be gained like that, until you attract the attention of every nearby solider and wondering adventurer. They had made plenty of money trough extortion, smuggling, and actually protecting the villagers from wild animals and other bandits, without ever causing need for alarm.
His only concern was the size of the group, rumors had them to be 15 to 20 or more even. That was quite a large group - his last gang was only 6 and was plenty to do all the work. Larger groups tended to end up killing each other off anyway.
Still, he was rather cheerful and with having some food in his stomach the day had begun rather well. He was starting to get excited at the coming fight and continuing to talk loudly while walking trough the town square he almost sang "Bandits! Bandits! Gonna kill you all! Bandits! Bandits! Wretched... smelly.. and.. tall?" He turned back to his companions "That's my bandit killing song."
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Kadd Bane
Mercenary
[M:0]
Someday, with these two hands, the world...
Posts: 11
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Post by Kadd Bane on Feb 3, 2012 18:22:06 GMT -6
Kadd and Pike were talking in hurried whispers, Pike's face stretching into a grin. The more he heard, the bigger the goofy smile on his face spread. "Why, dat's genius boss!" he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear, exposing multiple missing teeth. Kadd smiled slightly as he nodded in agreement. "Yes, it is a good idea. Which explains why I thought of it. Now make sure everyone knows about it. I don't want someone to slip up and ruin the plan, understand? Everything must be perfect. And when Duph gets back, send him to see me." Pike nodded profusely, turning to leave. "Hold a minute," Kadd called. Pike turned back towards him, confused. "Eh? What's up boss?" Kadd gave him an exasperated look. "Your ax. I know you have another." Pike frowned at the hand ax he had dangling from his waist, shooting his leader a pleading look. unperturbed, Kadd kept his hand out until Pike begrudgingly handed it over.
As Pike trudged back outside, Kadd examined the weapon for a moment, raising it to the light. Walking across the old fort's main hall, he made note of the small side door that led to a room that used to be an armory. It had been stripped bare, the door ripped from it's hinges. The entrance to the fort led directly to the main hall, with the armory room off to the left. Walking across the hall, he stopped at the one of the windows near the back. The top of the window had been broken, but most of the bottom remained intact. Tapping it lightly with his knuckle, Kadd smiled as he walked back towards the armory door. Resting the ax by the doorway, he stepped towards the main entrance and walked outside. He watched as Pike scurried to and fro, relaying his orders to the bandits. Their eyes would light up with excitement, and then they would mutter among each other with renewed vigor. "I shall make sure this plan goes by without a hitch," he said, turning back towards the door. Walking across the main hall, he sat on the sole chair in the room, grinning as he waited patiently for the return of Duph.
Meanwhile(at the Legion of Doom)
Duph had begun to doze slightly, bored with his menial task of watching for groups of warriors. The town was a small one, and he'd felt like he'd seen every villager in it at least 3 times. As his eyes began to droop, a song hit his ears. "Bandits! Bandits! Gonna kill you all! Bandits! Bandits! Wretched... smelly.. and.. tall?" The words snapped him back to reality, his eyes popping open. He saw several people coming from the inn across the street, a woman in the front with a lance in her hand, another man, cloaked, who was singing loudly. There were more people coming from inside he was sure, but he didn't stop to see how many. He got up, and tried to casually walk back towards the edge of town. He hoped that his large frame wouldn't attract the attention of the would be mercenaries, as he lengthened his stride in an attempt to outdistance them
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2012 18:26:32 GMT -6
Erio chuckled lightly happy to be out of the inn as she took a deep breath of the fresh air, lungs feeling refreshed. Holding up her hand to shield her eyes from the harsh glare of the early morning sun the sky clear not a single cloud in sight threatening them with rain. Smiling to herself she maneuvered about the flow of people with ease heading for the gates her ears perking up at Hoff's comment about the narcissistic mage from before.
"If I was the...what was it...The Crimson Mage Elias? I would simply toss myself off the cliff to save someone the trouble of doing so for me. It reminds me of when children would play as heroes of old fighting the so called evil."
Her mind drifted off towards the bandits starting to formulate a plan in her mind. There would be many approaches that were possible. Yet only one would lead her...them to victory. At the moment they were outnumbered five or six men to one but... Erio's mind steeled wrapping around the best possible paths to take. Surprise was going to have to ride on their side or they would have to be sitting really far out on Lady Luck's goodside.
Sighing to herself she stared up at the rouge beside her who had started to sing a childish song. She joined in good naturely eyes unfocused as she continued to ponder. When it was dark it would be their best bet, they would just have to wait for nightfall after arriving unless the two dunces left back at the Inn got there sooner.
Amber pools searched through the hoards of people letting out a slight snicker and pointing to a man walking casually off and out of town "By that description he fits a bandit yes?" She chuckled some more her hand steady as she pointed to the retreating man innocently.
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Hoff
Thief
[M:0]
You can get much farther with a kind word and a sword than you can with a kind word alone.
Posts: 79
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Post by Hoff on Feb 3, 2012 22:37:17 GMT -6
Hoff laughed at Erio's comment "Sure he does" The large man was going the same directions as they were though moving quite a bit faster, he noticed.
"Yes well, we are outnumbered as it is, I thought extra help couldn't hurt" Hoff continued to scold the girl. Still they kept moving fairly quickly they were soon out of the main gate and away from Bulgar. Hoff could see the tall figure on the road up ahead and, hastening his step, he added "That guy is pretty big, I bet he would be a good in a fight. As it stands we need a melee guy up front, and frankly Erio, you don't look like you can take a hit.
Almost running now he shouted after the tall man "Hey!! Hey mister!"
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Kadd Bane
Mercenary
[M:0]
Someday, with these two hands, the world...
Posts: 11
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Post by Kadd Bane on Feb 4, 2012 0:20:58 GMT -6
As he reached the edge of the town, Duph let out a sigh of relief, slowing his pace slightly. He hadn't been stopped, so he would just have to book it back to the boss and give him the news. As he started to think about what he was going to tell him, he heard yelling from behind him. "Hey!! Hey mister!" Duph froze for a moment, his heart skipping a beat as he slowly turned around. Running towards him was one of the men from the inn, waving to get his attention.
His first thought was to bolt, but he really hadn't done anything to draw their attention. He might be able to find some more useful information from him, and if push came to shove, he was confident he could beat him in a fight, or if need be outrun him. So he held his ground, forcing a smile on his face. "Eh? Oh, uh...hey there," he said, trying to appear casual. "What eh...what brings you out 'ere?"
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2012 8:36:57 GMT -6
Erio sighed softly as Hoff ran off towards the man standing back and watching him for a moment. He did speak the truth, it would be better with more people and the man certainly did look like he knew his way around a battle or two. She followed after him running a hand back through her hair to get it out of her eyes as she held back a few chuckles. The man certainly did look stunned, though he seemed to have recovered quickly.
"Hello" Erio said softly planting a sweet smile on her lips to sway him "We were wondering just the same for you my friend, you seem to be off in the same direction as we are. Would you mind travelling with us for a while? You seem rather battlehardend." She stared up at him waiting to his response to her flattery.
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Hoff
Thief
[M:0]
You can get much farther with a kind word and a sword than you can with a kind word alone.
Posts: 79
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Post by Hoff on Feb 4, 2012 10:29:42 GMT -6
"We are on our way to find some bandits, they've been causing some trouble for the town here." Hoff started, still trying to catch his breath. "You look pretty capable.. I dont have a lot of gold, but they are bound to have some loot - also there is a reward in town.
Hoff watched the stricken warrior - he looked surprised but it did little to phase the rogue. He was definitely battle hardened, probably had done things like this before. He continued, trying to sound more convincing
"Its just us right now, and we dont really know which way to go. Villagers told us about an abandoned fort but nothing very specific. Also, you look quite capable in a fight."
He turned to the squire next to him and the young shaman with an cocked eyebrow "Im not much of a fighter... but these two are even more green than I am" He shrugged looking back up at the large man. "So what do you think?"
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Kadd Bane
Mercenary
[M:0]
Someday, with these two hands, the world...
Posts: 11
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Post by Kadd Bane on Feb 4, 2012 18:54:41 GMT -6
Duph couldn't help but smile at the woman's flattery. He laughed nervously, rubbing the top of his head. "Ah, your too kind miss," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "We are on our way to find some bandits, they've been causing some trouble for the town here.Its just us right now, and we dont really know which way to go. Villagers told us about an abandoned fort but nothing very specific. Also, you look quite capable in a fight." Duph swelled with pride at the multitude of compliments, something he rarely received in his line of work. Then what they said dawned on him; that they wanted his help to take down his own bandit group. He crossed his arms, cocking his head to the side as he stared up. It was his thinking process, and you could almost see the wheels in his head turning as he tried to figure things out.
'Now, if i go wit' 'dem, the boss'll 'ave my 'ead. He don't much like deserters,' He thought, cocking his head to the other side. 'But, if I go with 'em, and I 'amstring em when the battle starts, the boss might reward me! In fact, I bet if I lead em into a trap, the boss might promote me! Then I won't 'ave to listen to that damned Pike!' he thought, beginning to grin. His brain was working so hard you could swear smoke was coming from his ears, as he grinned down at the pair before him. "Oh, no worries, I'll join yeh!" He threw back his cloak, raising one of his arms up to flex his muscles. the bicep in his arm seemed to swell to the size of a watermelon, a single vein visible in the middle. Patting the muscle fondly, he laughed loudly. "They call me Duph the Strong Arm, at ye service!"
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2012 19:27:30 GMT -6
Erio watched the man grin from ear to ear with the same sweet smile one would expect from a kind maiden. Yet, inside her head plans began to form, the man was not very bright was he? She would have to edit the plans a slight bit to fit in with the new man but that was little in the range that he could be useful for. As big as he was when the two from the inn appeared he could just get rid of them, or...keep them occupied. With personalities like theirs she doubted anyone would miss them besides for the simple entertainment it provided watching them rant. If worse came to worst she could just use him as a meat shield, always a good use.
"It is quite nice to meet you Duph" she said kindly taking a step back onto Hoff's foot and grinding her heel into his already bile stained shoes "well lets not dally, times wasting the longer we stand here leering at each other." She walked off humming a soft tune not giving a second glance to the others, they were all rather expendable until proven useful were they not?
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Hoff
Thief
[M:0]
You can get much farther with a kind word and a sword than you can with a kind word alone.
Posts: 79
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Post by Hoff on Feb 4, 2012 20:47:50 GMT -6
Hoff couldn't help laughing at the large silly brute - his facial expression while regarding them was quite humorous, this guy was definitely bit short on brains. He grinned a little at his funny mode of speech and nodded in approval "Excellent!"
Gah what was with this girl, Hoff snorted to himself as she stepped on his foot. "Hey crazy? What is your deal" He was careful not to show a limp while the pain in his foot went away
Clapping his hands together he walked down the road musing. They needed a plan, and it had to be a good one. Otherwise this whole thing would fail, as little as he cared, he didn't want the death's of his companions weighing on his conscious. He was good enough at getting away, but had his doubts if the others were up to it.
After a bit he spoke up excitedly, talking very fast "Ok so here is what im thinking - we cant just attack, that would be stupid. We need a good diversion." Maybe it was a bit farfetched, but he liked it. The crazier the plan, the more likely it was to work, he figured.
"I say, we tell em we are emissaries from larger band... whats a big one? Galeon? That should get us close to their leader" He paused for a second staring at the ground "We tell em we have heard of their work. That we want them to join us. That should make them listen for a bit. And we do this at night, so when things get rough, we get away." He looked around, large grin on his face "What could go wrong? There are only a couple of us, and many of them. If we play it right it'll be a nasty surprise."
(ooc: take this, Kadd)
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Kadd Bane
Mercenary
[M:0]
Someday, with these two hands, the world...
Posts: 11
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Post by Kadd Bane on Feb 4, 2012 23:24:04 GMT -6
As the small group began to walk, Duph listened with half an ear to the hooded man's words. "I say, we tell em we are emissaries from larger band... whats a big one? Galeon? That should get us close to their leader. We tell em we have heard of their work. That we want them to join us. That should make them listen for a bit. And we do this at night, so when things get rough, we get away. What could go wrong? There are only a couple of us, and many of them. If we play it right it'll be a nasty surprise." As he walked, he cocked his head from side to side as he pondered his words. It would make no real difference to him or the boss, so long as he could tell him what they planned. And even then, his boss was no fool. He wouldn't be put off by their plan either way, so he saw no real harm. "Yeh, no problem. That'll work," he said with a slight smile
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Post by Kressen on Feb 5, 2012 0:05:26 GMT -6
Kressen was fairly amazed at how quickly events seemed to unfold around Hoff and Erio. He stood back the entire time to watch events unfold, forgotten by his companions and ignored by the newcomers. This was how he preferred it, since an unnoticed shaman was a living shaman. Still, he had to suppress the urge to face palm as Erio started to fling food, then invite another member to the traveling partners.
The plan they came up with was sound, so he found no reason to voice any opinion on it. There was something odd about the man named Duph. Instead of introducing himself to the newcomer he would just walk behind him and glare at him from underneath his hood, trying to read his intentions.
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