[Bounty] A Cartographer, Men; Prey
Oct 14, 2015 23:03:11 GMT -6
Post by Dietrich Landrik on Oct 14, 2015 23:03:11 GMT -6
While the journey to the new land was certainly one fraught with danger and uncertainty, it was certainly a test for the faithful and complete torment for those who didn't beseech St. Elimine for her guidance. They typically remarked that she had no power here, an unholy land that may still be infested with dragons. Many were weary and cautious, however they all had a certain bravery that allowed them to carve out an existence with the limited resources they had on ship and found on land.
A blonde young man stood amongst the small populace near the back wall. It was a crude creation and he looked the part. His blue and white striped shirt was dusty, damp with sweat, and covered with sawdust and soot from the lanterns he had cleaned that morning. The sun was beginning to set when the highly distinguishable bell was sounded and the "city" was alarmed to meet at the front gate - armed. As if a flip was switched, the exhausted blonde man dashed towards his shanty lean-to shelter and grabbed ahold of his well-worn leather sword belt. With speed of action on his mind, he made no attempt to grab his armor as he wrapped his accoutrements around his waist and grasp the hilt of his blade during his frenzied bounds towards the gate.
There was already a jumble of people there, most gathered around or focusing their attention towards someone. Unable to tell what specifically was going on, the swordsman made his way to the parapet upon the wall. Bumping into a familiar face, it was Berg sitting on a wooden camp stool drudged from the camp and used as a comfortable place to sit while staring out into the field away from the encampment. His bow was leaned up against the wall and the husky archer was scratching his beard while looking out with unbroken concentration.
”Hey Landrik. Did you see the wounded man? I don’t think he’ll make it.” he said plainly, averting his eyes for a moment to catch a glimpse of his dirty friend. ”This has been our first major incident so far, but I hardly believe it was worth calling the people to arms.” The burly watchman sighed, rubbing his eyes and grabbing a pinch of tobacco out of a red drawsack, preparing his pipe. He packed it in with his thumb and pulled out a box of matches. ”Wait for word tomorrow. Best guess is that we’ll have some idea of what happened.”
In a return to his former state, his body slumped onto the parapet as Landrik also let out a sigh along with a sore groan. ”Damn blue-bellies don’t know how to react to such things. To think they were former army. Must be Nabatan.” the swordsman joked, offering a hand to block the wind as his buddy lit his pipe and got it going. ”Still, I agree. We should hear something from the Captain or the Magistrate soon. Things have stabilized enough here for many to venture onwards to explore the surrounding area. I mean, we’ve been doing it for a while, but it’s all been haphazard.” Landrik paused, turning towards the concerned crowd and the wounded man who he could not see. ”As shown with this. I finish my work tomorrow. I’ll have to put off improving my site for a little while. I’m not sure I’ll ever get it where I need it. This is where having a loving and devoted wife would come in handy, no?” the handyman asked with a cocked eyebrow and a smirk that gave away his thoughts.
”Hrnngh, no. I’m not ready to wipe a babe’s butt any time soon. Have at it and tell me what it’s like to put down that sword and pick up a broom. I know what I’m doing.” Berg groaned, looking away back to the field and the woods beyond it.
”Passing time bird watching – I know you too well.” Landrik prodded his comrade’s nerves.
”Agh, as if! What I’d give for my old job clearing the river of briars and trees. Simple and there wasn’t a lot of fuss. Paid well too until I got the bright idea to join up with you lot.” Berg puffed away, nostalgic of the summers on the still waters of Etruria.
”Aw, come on, Berg. It’s already been 5 years since then and just over one since we got back together after the raid. I tell you what, we ran a tight ship and you know it.” the blonde man retorted, but saw he was just drawing out the conversation. ”Yeah, yeah, I’ll check in tomorrow. We need Fuchs and Keppler as well. I’ll get Koops if you can get Futches.” Landrik called upon their friend’s nicknames.
”No problem, ‘drique. See ya then. It’d be good to get out of here for a while.” Berg decompressed his stone-like stature.
”Absolutely.” was replied, the swordsman jumping down from the wall and passing through the crowd back to his shanty. It was with a bit of excitement that the man laid out his gear and washed his clothes in preparation for the next day.
--The Following Day—
As the final stone was set in place for the well, there was no hesitation as the swordsman ran home and threw on his greatcoat, armor, and arms. A pack was already prepared and a blanket roll was affixed to it. His helmet swung from his belt from the chinstrap and the marine felt comfort in his attire. This was who he was. Dietrich Landrik the mercenary marine, veteran company commander from the campaigns against Sacae. Even with such a smaller post and duties, his role was still very important.
Three others also in their armor – amongst them being Berg from the day prior – gathered near their trusted comrade. There was a lot of talk about the bounty and here were four poor souls foolish enough to seek out the danger. Many spoke of dragons, but that did not avert these marines.
A blonde young man stood amongst the small populace near the back wall. It was a crude creation and he looked the part. His blue and white striped shirt was dusty, damp with sweat, and covered with sawdust and soot from the lanterns he had cleaned that morning. The sun was beginning to set when the highly distinguishable bell was sounded and the "city" was alarmed to meet at the front gate - armed. As if a flip was switched, the exhausted blonde man dashed towards his shanty lean-to shelter and grabbed ahold of his well-worn leather sword belt. With speed of action on his mind, he made no attempt to grab his armor as he wrapped his accoutrements around his waist and grasp the hilt of his blade during his frenzied bounds towards the gate.
There was already a jumble of people there, most gathered around or focusing their attention towards someone. Unable to tell what specifically was going on, the swordsman made his way to the parapet upon the wall. Bumping into a familiar face, it was Berg sitting on a wooden camp stool drudged from the camp and used as a comfortable place to sit while staring out into the field away from the encampment. His bow was leaned up against the wall and the husky archer was scratching his beard while looking out with unbroken concentration.
”Hey Landrik. Did you see the wounded man? I don’t think he’ll make it.” he said plainly, averting his eyes for a moment to catch a glimpse of his dirty friend. ”This has been our first major incident so far, but I hardly believe it was worth calling the people to arms.” The burly watchman sighed, rubbing his eyes and grabbing a pinch of tobacco out of a red drawsack, preparing his pipe. He packed it in with his thumb and pulled out a box of matches. ”Wait for word tomorrow. Best guess is that we’ll have some idea of what happened.”
In a return to his former state, his body slumped onto the parapet as Landrik also let out a sigh along with a sore groan. ”Damn blue-bellies don’t know how to react to such things. To think they were former army. Must be Nabatan.” the swordsman joked, offering a hand to block the wind as his buddy lit his pipe and got it going. ”Still, I agree. We should hear something from the Captain or the Magistrate soon. Things have stabilized enough here for many to venture onwards to explore the surrounding area. I mean, we’ve been doing it for a while, but it’s all been haphazard.” Landrik paused, turning towards the concerned crowd and the wounded man who he could not see. ”As shown with this. I finish my work tomorrow. I’ll have to put off improving my site for a little while. I’m not sure I’ll ever get it where I need it. This is where having a loving and devoted wife would come in handy, no?” the handyman asked with a cocked eyebrow and a smirk that gave away his thoughts.
”Hrnngh, no. I’m not ready to wipe a babe’s butt any time soon. Have at it and tell me what it’s like to put down that sword and pick up a broom. I know what I’m doing.” Berg groaned, looking away back to the field and the woods beyond it.
”Passing time bird watching – I know you too well.” Landrik prodded his comrade’s nerves.
”Agh, as if! What I’d give for my old job clearing the river of briars and trees. Simple and there wasn’t a lot of fuss. Paid well too until I got the bright idea to join up with you lot.” Berg puffed away, nostalgic of the summers on the still waters of Etruria.
”Aw, come on, Berg. It’s already been 5 years since then and just over one since we got back together after the raid. I tell you what, we ran a tight ship and you know it.” the blonde man retorted, but saw he was just drawing out the conversation. ”Yeah, yeah, I’ll check in tomorrow. We need Fuchs and Keppler as well. I’ll get Koops if you can get Futches.” Landrik called upon their friend’s nicknames.
”No problem, ‘drique. See ya then. It’d be good to get out of here for a while.” Berg decompressed his stone-like stature.
”Absolutely.” was replied, the swordsman jumping down from the wall and passing through the crowd back to his shanty. It was with a bit of excitement that the man laid out his gear and washed his clothes in preparation for the next day.
--The Following Day—
As the final stone was set in place for the well, there was no hesitation as the swordsman ran home and threw on his greatcoat, armor, and arms. A pack was already prepared and a blanket roll was affixed to it. His helmet swung from his belt from the chinstrap and the marine felt comfort in his attire. This was who he was. Dietrich Landrik the mercenary marine, veteran company commander from the campaigns against Sacae. Even with such a smaller post and duties, his role was still very important.
Three others also in their armor – amongst them being Berg from the day prior – gathered near their trusted comrade. There was a lot of talk about the bounty and here were four poor souls foolish enough to seek out the danger. Many spoke of dragons, but that did not avert these marines.