Book 1 - Chapter 1: Under the Harvest Moons

[Asta]

Thedrin:

Bregan heaved a sigh. "Why raise conscripts when a town has a strong enough militia to fend off attacks? Things work differently here Thedrin." He didn't bother to elaborate, but shifted to address your desire to head north. "I do think its a good idea for you to go to Aite-Aerd though, at the very least you can deliver that horse. Maybe the journey will be good to broaden your horizons a little as well." After saying his piece he let you stride away to meet with the mayor. As you left however, he called out behind you: "We can discuss your trip when you come back." You were unsure if he meant the visit with the mayor, or a return from the capital.

Spoiler

I'll cover meeting the mayor once everyone declares what they're doing.

[close]

Rhenri:

INT check:

All you are aware of is that Thedrin is supposedly a member of the family, and perhaps the gentleman you've seen him speaking to as well.

[close]

Scathach eyed the young noble as he walked away. "Oi don't nu, yer man seems ter be able ter 'andle 'imself, even if 'e canny keep 'is gob shut." She gave you a playful jab on the shoulder and a sly grin, Ain't never seen tha capital though, might be gran' for sum foon if you're 'eadin'. Plus oi love ter kill goblins. Count me in!"

Scathach thumbed in Thedrin's general direction, indicating the two of you should perhaps follow him to the mayor's.

[Oath]

Cecilia took note of the knight's name and followed along to find the mayor.

She hadn't planned on leaving town so soon, but traveling is part of a wizard's life as well. The townsfolk had been good to her, and such an organized attack didn't seem like a one time thing. "I'll gladly travel to Aite-Aerd and see what help I can be in this situation."

[Throndir]

Village Square
Present

"Ya think so?" Rhenri asked as her eyes flashed. "Say Scathach, is he your type?" Rhenri asked teasingly as she pointed towards Thedrin with her head while keeping eye contact with her ranger companion. Rhenri began stepping in that direction as well, with a plain and open and teasing grin.

[Asta]

Rhenri:

"Mercy naw. I've known yer 'im for al' av foive minutes an' 'e canny stop blatherin' aboyt 'imself. I'd bloody rather court an aurochs," Scathach replied with a raised eyebrow. "Why?"



All:

After a ten minute walk, you found yourselves outside the mayor's house. A modest home, as one might expect of the people that live on the Steppe, but not so modest that you couldn't tell the person living there had a measure of political power. Before anyone had a chance to knock on the door, it swung itself open and you were face to face with the Watch Captain, Manas; the mayor was close behind, walking him out.

"I'll be getting some barrier's put up around the perimeter, don't want them riding back into town on those big bloody rats they like... Oh! Fancy seeing you four again." Manas offers a greeting by way of a brief wave. "I think you have volunteers Marcas. I'll be on my way."

The burly man strides away, leaving the mayor standing in his doorway. Marcas strokes his mustache and sizes your group up. "That so? Good, I was hoping I wouldn't have to draw lots. Come in, we'll talk details." He turned to retreat into his home, motioning for you to enter.

[pringerbeam]

     "Of course, though perhaps wait on holding off the lots. My first trip to the Righ should require an adequate entourage, at least a valet or three." Said Thedrin as he walked into the home, appraising the quality of the home as he entered.

[Throndir]

Village Square
Previously

Rhenri let out a quick laugh. "Ya know, curious. Always wonderin' what kind of person will sweep ya off yua feet."

Mayor's House
10 minutes later

"I'd be mighty surprised if they had a valet for us." Rhenri commented after Thedrin as she followed right after him.

[pringerbeam]

     Thedrin turned with a raised eyebrow, only just now noticing the others that had gone to the mayor's house. "Oh, you, uh... poacher? No wait, I keep forgetting that no one manages these lands. Huntswoman? Whatever your profession, why wouldn't there be some helpers provided? Such an important trip should require an adequate train. Oh yes..." He turned back towards the mayor. "What would be an appropriate gift for the Righ? My uncle and I have our own gift horse but that would only be enough for the privilege of simply meeting I would think. To actually petition the Righ would surely require another gift, perhaps something symbolic, like a fine sword?"  He held his chin ponderously. "Ah yes, and studded with gemstones to match his highness's house colors! And perhaps..." He looked at the archer, her friend, and the wizard that had apparently also come along. His critical gaze evaluating them from head to toe. "Too sinewy... from the archery I would guess... Too bookish..." He muttered to himself. "Hm, perhaps a more... buxom lass from the village to present the gifts? The fairest milkmaid maybe. Someone pleasing enough to the eye to invoke the sympathies of the Righ."

[Asta]

"Getting a little ahead of yourself aren't you?" Marcas interjected. "I don't know how they do it down in Albion, but you don't need to bring tribute to the Righ just to petition to see him. It's the right of every citizen of Thuinich to request audience. Second, I don't know if you've ever had to travel overland at speed... but the fewer of you there are, the faster. It's going to take you near a month to get there and back by horse, and the end of the year is fast approaching."

The mayor sat down behind a desk and rummaged through the contents of one of the drawers, finally fishing out a small bag. He dropped it on the desk and you could hear the clatter of coinage within. "A hundred gold. For travelling expenses. I'm sure some of the villagers can supply horses to the three of you," he motioned at everyone but Thedrin. "I assume you'll be riding that destrier. If you wait until tomorrow morning to leave, we can get you some packs together with supplies."

[pringerbeam]

     Thedrin was taken aback by this new information. "But what about pack horses? My tent is too large for a single horse to carry. Not to mention a stove to keep it warm at night, the bedding for my cot, a rack for my armor... what do you expect me to do for two weeks on the road? I didn't see enough inns on my journey here to lodge us every night."

[Throndir]

Mayor's House
Present

Poacher? Huntswoman? Well, he technically wasn't wrong, but wasn't quite right either. Something closer to an assassin would have been a much more apt description, though it was a profession that Rhenri hadn't done much if at all since leaving the city. Still though, there was something about the man she didn't quite like. Perhaps it was the attitude, or the disregard for everyone else around him, but in the end she couldn't help but wonder if she could slip an arrow right into the man's gut.

Of course Rhenri didn't show that, instead she smiled widely.

"Oh bless yua heart!" She said her mouth in a forced bright smile. "We cain't very well bring an entire home with us... I reckon y'all will have the best and purtiest ranger in town to guide, ain't that right Scathach?" She said throwing a wink at the ranger. "And of course yourn truly a fairly good hunter myself. As long as ya pack light, we'll take care of everythin' else."

As she said this, she moved towards the table, meaning to grab the bag of coins that the mayor had placed on the table.

"We'll split this here bag, yeah? Fowar of us then? Mayor, anyone else comin'? Maybe some valets?"

[Asta]

Marcas put a hand over his mouth, appearing to smooth down his mustache. "Yes well... A little rough living never hurt anyone."

To Rhenri he said: "It's up to the four of you to make use of it, and no, it will have to be just the few of you. We'll need to make repairs to the buildings that were damaged before winter sets in. I trust the journey out and back will go as quick as the blink of an eye."

[pringerbeam]

     "But... but..." Thedrin sputtered as the idea of what he would be able to pack set in before stopping to mumble under his breath. "Quest, remember? Hardships, valor, roughing it, just like the stories." With a clearing of his throat, Thedrin composed himself. "I'm sure my constitution will survive the road."

[Asta]

"Aye lad, that's the spirit!" Marcas said with a genuine smile. "Like I said, we'll have some care packages for the four of you ready by morning to help you on your way. If you don't mind however, I've got to get the town's recovery organized so I'll have to see you out."

The mayor stood again, and ushered you to the door. "Bright and early then, want to get a strong start as its a long journey. Do know that your effort as volunteers is appreciated, truly."

Spoiler

This is essentially the end of Chapter 1, feel free to have your characters interact if you so desire.
Book 1 - Chapter 2: The Road to Aite-Aerd

[close]

[pringerbeam]

     Suddenly alone outside with his new companions, Thedrin looked to the others in an attempt to appraise them. The two that appeared to be companions had spoken earlier. One of them appeared to be a local to the steppe. The other clearly wasn't, judging by the accent he couldn't place, and further seemed... different from the other villagers in a way he couldn't put his finger on. Of most curiosity was the third who had remained silent so far. She had cast several spells in the fight earlier, indicating some kind of magical talent. "Tell me, wizard, where did you learn your magic? You don't seem to have any of the trappings of the mages college." He asked, referring to the grand college back in Albion.

[Oath]

Cecilia sat back and took in the conversation, trying to get an idea of who she would be traveling with. They seemed friendly enough. A question came her way directly, so she figured the least she could do is follow the most basic of the social graces and respond, especially because the knight seemed like the kind of guy that would remember any slight, no matter how small.

"A traveling wizard occasionally stopped by my village as a place to resupply. Over the years I picked up a few tricks from him. Can't say too much about him really, he's an odd fellow but the village loved him. He always brought trinkets for the children, and stories of adventure. Could say that he really gave me the courage to chase my dreams."