[info]Max 3 people. 200 exp for joining. Extra exp depending on resolution. If no other players join, assume 'other guild mates' are NPC guild members.
Takes place after the events of the Tournament, and Guild Hall Defense.[/info]
You, along with a couple of your other guild mates found yourselves at the Gorged Dragon. It was a tavern that was popular amongst the guild members of Galas'nor. Partly due to the fact that it wasn't very far away, and though the guild's own bar tended to those in the guild, the Gorged Dragon always had the allure of meeting the other denizens of the city, as well as getting information that might not be so readily available if one were stuck in the guild hall's bar.
You had just gotten yourself settled, and along with your guild mates, had started to order some drinks and refreshments, greeting the barmaids with the usual greeting. However, you hear some voices speaking, they were loud and boisterous.
"You hear about them losers from that guild? Galas'nor?" One man asked his companion. Though he made no attempt to whisper or keep it quiet. There were a couple of individuals on the table. Many of them were armed to the brim. The other one replied back.
"Which one? There's this pretty boy there... What was his name? Cry-Ass? I forget. I hear that's his role in the guild. Just look pretty." The second person responded just as loudly.
The first person shook his head.
"No, no. What was his name again..."
"Either way, they're all cheats. Get this, you notice how both the final teams in the tournament were from their guild? They probably just bribed their way to the top I tell you! I heard they've begun robbing people blind too. That bastard guild."
They all laughed loudly.
Both of their voices were loud, and even the usual tavern patrons began to hush down as they eyed both your table and the other table warily.
The friction in the room was thick enough to cut with a dull blade, Casimer finished his drink and slowly stood. Walking casual to the bar he passed their table slowly glancing down at the last man to talk, lingering his gaze into the mans eyes so that he could see the guild signia across his left cheek bone. Continuing passed the table without even stopping he placed his mug on the counter asking the bartender for something a little stronger and he patiently waited for his drink to arrive by leaning on the counter facing the upset gentlemens table. ''You there, you talk as if you know a lot about the guild!'' Casimer addressed the man loudly so all could hear his light steely voice, crossing his arms he waited for the man to reply as he drank some of his ale.
"Oh? Yeah I do." The man stated, not backing off from Casimer's stare.
"And what about you? I see that damn guild's insignia is on your face. Like some sort of festival." He chuckled.
There were a couple of other guild members in the tavern as well, though many of them were either not very keen on confrontations, and thus had chosen to remain silent. Though there were more than a couple who angrily looked towards the stranger bad-mouthing their guild. They nodded approvingly as Casimer spoke up.
"I hear them scammers are even stealing from us regular people too! There's that Kat-what-rias' enchantment store that overprices everything. Not to mention that snobby elf wizard, waz' her name? Alanornia or something stupid? Get this, they even pretended to be the Clasp Society to steal a few coins!"
"Good for nothing bastards the lot of them." The man spoke again, ensuring his voice was loud enough for the entire tavern to hear.
By the time the man had finished his words Casimer had had enough standing up to his full high his eyes blazed with anger, his scales lifted as his muscles tightened. He walked closer to the man till he was barely an inch from the mans face. "The guild doesnt need to stoop so low as to steal money our contracts tend to speak for themselves. And as for your inability to pay for decent wares.. well you are in control of your own coin. And if you ever disrespect Alaenoria or my comrades honor behind their backs you will have me to deal with." Casimer then reached back and with agonizing slowness drew his sword letting it rasp out with a low metal on metal scraping sound until it was free of the sheath, then tilted it point down and simply dropped it to the floor. Rather than hitting the floor and falling over like any normal sword probably would have his sword weighed so much that it hit the wooden floor timbers and kept going cracking and diging its way half a foot into the floor with a loud crunch. Still staring at the man he said as smooth as death itself "unless you care to take this up outside."
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 7 + 5, total 12[/blockquote]
The man himself was pretty well-armed, but as he looked at you, considering both your stance and the myriad of weapons you had, he seemed to back off.
"I got no time for fighting." The man said under his breath, avoiding your gaze. Though one of the men beside him seemed to nudge him.
"Sounds like cowardice, you're going to let him do that to ye'?""Bah!" This time the man looked towards you, and he himself placed a hand on his own weapon.
"Face-painted festival guild member you are. Breaking property too." He said with a snide remark as he gestured towards the floor, but he continued to stand and make his way out the door.
"As for me, I'm not going to throw the first punch in the tavern, if you think you're still man enough, I'll meet you outside this tavern, midnight tonight!"QuoteYou can feel free to accept or decline his proposal. If you accept, you still have the rest of the day for preparations so feel free to state what you want to do. Eg: buy some new weapons, armor, etc, etc. Or anything else you can think of. Let me know if you need more information about the city, the tavern, the guild, etc.
Casimer watched as the man and his friends walked out of the tavern. Reaching down he lifted his sword free of the timbers and resheathed it carefully so as to not hit anyone by accident. Walking to the counter he put a few gold coins out and asked calmly with no sign of his earlier rage. "Tender will this be enough for repairs to the floor?"
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20-2 : 9 - 2, total 7[/blockquote]
The bartender, a thick man, though bald and clean shaven only grinned as you approached. The other man from before, as well as his tablemates soon left their table, following after their supposed leader.
Your attempt at placating the bartender's mood, wasn't a very good one. Though, perhaps it was for the fact that his tavern was visited often by guild members that the bartender shrugged.
"This tavern's always lively because of the guild, and you guys have always visited as patrons." The bartender said as he looked at the few coins that were placed on the counter. He picked up the coins and pocketed them, and a moment later, with practiced motion, he pulled out what looked to be a mug of beer. He placed that in front of you.
"On the house. Besides, a tavern brawl isn't something particularly out of the ordinary. Best not to pay any attention to those sharp words in my opinion, many of them are simply envious of the guild's resources and stature." For the most part, what the bartender said was true, among the guilds of the city, the guild of Galas'nor had the most renown, being a part of the guild since the founding of the city even, if some of the records hold true. The guild also had the most influence in the city, and it wasn't a simple mistake that most of the teams representing in the tournament just a few days ago had been all from the very guild you were a member of.
QuoteSubtracting 2 gold from inventory. You can continue RPing, or state some specific actions you want to do.
A small grin broke across Casimers face as he reached over to grab the mug on the counter, he twisted it between his two hands lost in thought then drank it in three slow long gulps sighing loudly and slapping the mug back on the counter. Turning toward the group of guild members still sitting at the table he nodded slightly in farewell and exited the tavern.
The sun was low on the horizon but still bright enough to light the streets around the tavern, Casimer closed his eyes and faced the sun letting the little heat from the setting sun touch his face. Opening his eyes he looked around at the small courtyard like area for guests to enjoy bread and mead outside in the daylight hours. To small for a fight he thought. Looking beyond that there was a mid sized fight ring a bit old from disuse but it would suffice with a solid dirt floor and sturdy stone arches encircling it, the ring would satisfy all the needs of the duel to come so he walked over and sat nearest the tavern against one of the arches and closed his eyes, relaxing his muscles and calmed his mind readying himself. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a folded piece of paper opened it up and stared steely eyed at it. Folding it up and stuffing it back in his pocket he waited patiently.
[info]Hope you don't mind me jumping in on this! I feel like it could get interesting[/info]
It was not the first time Vladimir had heard words like this spouted among the crowd. What he was not used to, however, was the slander of the good guild members. He'd have understood Lyolf, Jin, Gandin, Callista, or any of the mischievous bunch. But the shopkeepers? And the theatrical feat that some members pulled to avoid violence in a crowd? It was a low blow.
Seemingly he wasn't the only one who thought so, as another guild member, more bold than himself, stepped up to confront their words. "Casimer, huh? I've not run into him before. Seems upstanding enough, I suppose I'll just see how he handles it." Vladimir took a sip of him ale and watched. After all, sticking to the shadows and sidelines was his forte; why would he want the limelight?
The argument progressed quickly, with both sides heating up, until Casimer challenged them to a duel. The most surprising turn of events was the drawing and dropping of the sword blade. "I took him to be more of a finesse combatant from his build, but the weight of that blade is something else! Interesting..." The action obviously unsettled the duo of slanderers, but to Vladimir's surprise, they accepted and set the time to midnight.
It was Vladimir's turn to be unsettled. Folk that spoke like that in taverns and acted like this weren't the fair and good sort. Purposely setting the time to midnight was basically shouting out that they intended to be underhanded. For his guild member's sake, Vladimir needed to be there as well. Maybe just off to the side, but external interference needed to be prevented.
After watching the two sides leave the tavern, Vladimir himself made his way out the front door. To his surprise, he found Casimer simply waiting outside the establishment. Is he going to wait here the whole time? Well, I suppose I need not worry about traps in the fighting ring itself, then, if he's just going to watch the whole time. He thought to himself.
"Casimer! I heard what went on in there. You handled that well. I'm only disappointed they didn't scare off after viewing your sword." Vladimir offered his hand. "Call me Vladimir. I'm a guild member, myself."
Standing up Casimer took vladimirs hand smiling slightly. "Aye that makes two of us, but I can't let that stand. Besides they shouldn't prove to much trouble unless they prove cowards." Realeasing vladimir's hand he leaned lightly on the arch. Looking vladimir up and down "I think we've crossed paths before.. maybe when first I entered the guild perhaps?"
Vladimir nodded, "Yes, I'm sure we've passed in the hall a few times now. Though I tend to keep to myself mostly, so we've never spoken. Hearing the slander of our guild just rubbed me the wrong way to the point where I felt I needed to do something as well." Vladimir motioned back down at the seats, taking one himself. "As for those men from earlier, you hit the nail on the head. No one asks for a midnight duel without the intent for cowardice. Especially since it sounded like he wasn't going to accept at first." Vladimir settled a bit more in his seat. "That's why I'm staying. I have means to see in the dark, so if they have reinforcements hidden, we can be alert about them."
Casimer nodded his thanks. After a few minutes of silence Casimer looked over and slowly asked "Do you deal much with Alaenoria the herbalist?" He looked down a little as if into thought. His body relaxed a bit with the hint of a smile on his lips. Suddenly he shivered as if shaking off a blanket of thoughts and he again focused his gaze on vladimir. He acted as if nothing odd had just happened though his scales seemed a bit more reddish in the moonlight as if blushing.
Vladimir raised his eyebrow, studying Casimer after the question. He couldn't help smirking as he saw the reminiscing and reddening. He turned forward again, leaning back into his seat and looking into the sky. "Alaenoria? I've only come across her a few times now. No, I don't deal with her much, but I'm aware of how respected she is among Galas'nor." Vladimir gives Casimer a sidelong glance. "Why?"
Casimer glanced over "its been many years since i last spoke to her, but its good to know shes doing well. We were friends really good friends when we were younger. I joined the guild for that reason really to find her. But now that i have i wonder if she would recognize me. Would she approve of who ive become?" Casimer shifted slightly looked around. And listened for a minute. Satisfied thst none else were present other than himself and vladimir he continued " you see we are cousins. Yet i was responsible for her safety, for many years i stood guard watching her admiring her skills in her crafy but also... her personality.. i envied the way she opened up and connected with her people or any people for that matter...." he trailed off into silence looking at his hands he looked to the stars trying to forget the emotions running inside.
[spoiler]I'll jump in again once specific actions are taken, or if you guys both agree to let it continue to midnight so I can bring on the next scene. For now, RPing is good to read![/spoiler]
Vladimir couldn't help hearing a bit of himself in the man's concerns and admiration. How many years had he spent simply watching others with thoughts of inferiority? How many times had he felt that those he cared about would judge him harshly for being different? He could already feel empathy with Casimer. Maybe that feeling could end up being helpful.
"I think you already answered your concern yourself, did you not? If she connects to anyone, that means she would be open to change, and the flaws of others at that. Why would the changes an old friend has gone through over many years be unacceptable? No matter what you've turned into, as long as it doesn't directly conflict with her worldview, I don't think you need to worry at all. Besides," Vladimir gave a comforting smile, "you're family.
[info]If it's already dark, then Vladimir keeps his eyes open for any suspicious movement.
[blockquote]Perception: 1d20+10 : 12 + 10, total 22[/blockquote][/info]
Casimer sat quietly pondering what vladimir said. "I appreciate it, i think if all this.." he point around gesturing to the area ".. goes well i may visit her in the guild and sèe if things can be rekindled in our friendship." Relaxing a bit he settled into a calm silence.
Quotecasimer waits for midnight
[info]Casimer go ahead and roll Perception: 1d20+17[/info]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+17 : 7 + 17, total 24[/blockquote]
The both of you waited until midnight at the unused arena that was just next door to the tavern. There were times when occasional bouts of combat were run in there, though it had been awhile since the last one. Fights were mainly from tavern-goers who had too much to drink, but had enough respect for the establishment to take their quarrels outside, and thus make their way to this very arena.
Both Casimer and Vladimir noticed the tell-tale sounds of footsteps from a distance away. You expected them to show themselves, but it took a couple more minutes until the first visible sign appeared. A lone shadow had appeared - it was the same man who had instigated the fight. However, from the footsteps you both had heard earlier, you knew that there were more than just this single person.
Like before, he was armed to the brim. He had various amounts of weapons strapped to his belt, ranging from swords and daggers, as well as what looked to be cases for bolts. On his back was something he didn't have in the tavern. It was a large and magnificent axe - it actually looked rather unwieldy. Even in the moonlight, you could see his face and his confident smile, it was plain to see that he was confident of himself. The man was a tall and burly human. He had a thick frame, and his arms were just as thick and large as well.
"I agreed to meet just one of you filthy guild members. And now there's two?" He said mockingly as he started making his way to the arena.
QuoteI have 90 ft darkvision, am I still unable to see the people he brought with him despite my 22 perception? Once I know that answer, I'll post.
Vladimir
You were able to see atleast two others with him through your darkvision. You recognized the two of them as part of the same table that left the tavern earlier that day. Though, from the sounds you had heard, you guessed there were to be more who had either hidden away behind the various buildings and corners of the immediate area, or did not readily approach as compared to the individual who had openly shown himself.
"Oh, I'm just here as a witness. It's not like we're trying to kill you. Nor vice-versa, I'm sure." Vladimir responded with a subtle sharpness. "A fair fight, one-on-one, is exactly what was agreed upon. After all, you brought, what, four more with you? Five? Well, it's not much of an issue, as I'm sure an upstanding gent such as yourself would only fight fairly."
Vladimir scans the horizon and waves at the few in the distance he does note, holding nothing but a candid expression on his face, feigning ignorance of their likely plans. Cowards. Of course, he's bluffing about the number, but reasoned it was a good guess, with his past bounty hunting experience. They're the types he'd end up hunting, honestly.
Vladimir then whispered to Casimer beside him, "If they try anything, I'll jump in. But otherwise I hope this deters some of their actions. Though there may be more, so fight carefully in case we're ganged up on in the end." Vladimir gave the draconic elf a couple reassuring pats on the back.
Nodding in thanks Casimer walked into the ring after the man. The ring had no solid walls but once inside the noises of the night suddenly went quiet as if no noise could penetrate the circle of arches. Moving in to the center of the ring casimer faced his opponent and asked in a steady voice "i challenged so you may state the rules of the fight." Scanning the edges of his perifrial vision across the stadium and then to the other side of his vision he assessed his surroundings waiting for the man to speak.
"Just insurance, I assure you." The man stated plainly. "I can never be too careful around your guild after all. And of course I'll fight fairly." He snapped his finders then, and all of a sudden two more individuals had appeared behind him. Two of them were familiar - they were the ones who sat at the table with the first man. Vladimir recognized these two as the ones he had seen just moments before, for Casimer, this was the first time noticing the two.
"They're here to watch." He explained.
However, both of you knew that there were still more hidden about, judging form the noise you had heard earlier. That other noise wasn't particularly loud, and normally you would have mistaken the sounds as part of the three individuals who had shown themselves, but your senses were keen enough to pick up the slight alterations in tell-tale sounds of their footsteps to know that whoever the others were, they were trying to keep their presence hidden.
"First person to surrender loses. If you surrender, grovel on the ground and hand over that sword." He said as he pointed to the weapon Casimer carried.
"Naturally" Casimer stated with a shrug "so then shall we begin?" Casimers eyes started to shine with excitement and he took a light boxing stance hands balled in fists near his cheeks. Other than his breathing he didnt move an inch he tune his senses in to the surrounding area listening for any type of other movements that disturbed the fact that the three were alone.
Vladimir silently watches as the duel commences. It's obvious that the man is a good fighter, but there's a chance he won all those weapons through foul play. The rogue decided it was best to keep his eyes open and wits about him. Only two men came into view, but there were obviously more. He would act once he sensed any sort of movement.
[info]Vladimir remains as a bystander, but is staying actively wary of those in the dark, and will move as soon as they do. Until they move, just ignore me and keep posting.[/info]
[info]Roll initiative! Vladimir doesn't need to, until you plan to do some specific actions in combat.
Casimer roll: 1d20+2[/info]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+2 : 14 + 2, total 16[/blockquote]
The two of them stood there poised like two statues out of myth silent still and solid. Casimer waited patiently seeing if the other man would strike first. Seeing no hint of movement casimer decided it was time and he lunged forward striking the sword flat against its owners face and launching the other man off his feet into the dirt. The man stood up quickly and began circling seemingly unfazed by the blow. Casimer smiled wickedly this fight would be interesting.
QuoteIf you're attacking, you need to roll an attack roll, and if it hits, your damage roll as well, go ahead and roll:
Attack: 1d20+7
Damage: 1d8+2