Rise of an Empire

[poohlive]

Roc left as easily as he came.
"Damn ogre, thinks himself a beauracrat."
He walked back into the forest, Lyt finally meeting up with him.
"So, things went well?"
He nodded, "Apparently. He wants me out of his forest."
Lyt flew up and down, looking back, "He owns part of the forest?"
Roc shook his head, "I suppose so. For pretending to be a smart man, he sure is a damn fool. Trying to reason with an troll."
Roc found himself in a cool stream, wading through the pool.
"I'll need the wound reopened."
Lyt flew over it again, opening the once closed seal. After wiping it with the rag, he saw it close by itself. Very nice. Letting his entire body soak for a minute, his massive green form emerged from the water. A huge fish in his grasp.
"Now, I believe we were talking of breakfast before the interruption occured."
Lyt glowed brighter, slightly, as she built a fire by the stream's edge.
"Oh, Valmon, my favorite."
And a wonderful breakfast it was.

 

[SpectralDragoon]

After sealing the toast with a large draught of the ale, Devin turns his attention from the socializing and redirects it to signing his name. He dips the quill, writes, and dips again to complete his signature on the ledger.

"There you have it Logan," he says to the man, his green eyes meeting his. Looking to Rhuarc now, he offers the pen, ink and parchment to him.

"Say, when do we set out?"

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

Rhuarc takes the pen and the parchment from Devin. He thanks the tall human as he starts to peruse the document. He reads through as best as he can, but some nuances are beyond him. He signs the document none the less, so that he can be a part of the adventure. He swallows the last of his flagon of ale and wipes the residue from his beard with his tunic. He listens with interest to the question put forth by Devin.

 

[Madcap]

Dayel Brightleaf

Dayel eagerly accepted the offered wine. He had a weakness for ogre wine, even over famed elfish wine. He rasied his glass in toast to his gracious host.

"Good ogre, your tale is not unknown to me. For I have traveled far and the news is much the same. In fact I came to this area in search of the Witch, but find her missing. Worse yet, Goblins, Orcs and other fell creatures are gathering and becoming bolder. More often do I now find myself swinging sword then I do singing under the stars." The elf's face grew serious. "There may come a day when the village of mighty Bloodluck finds itself under assult. I do not doubt your prowess in battle, but should war ever find you...." The elfin warrior kneeled infront of the Chief and presented his magnificant blade, which glowed softly, "....I place myself and my sword at your service."

 

[Darklord]

Logan

Looking at the three men arrayed in front of him, he nods at Devin's question, and thinks for a moment before answering.

"We will leave at first light tomorrow, it will be a long journey no matter what happens, and I think it best if we get it finished before the on-set of winter. I will arrange for animals for us, and also supplies, if you have need of anything else, please feel free to reccomend it now so my agents can procure them for us." he said, and then looking at the three signed contracts he smiled and put them in a folder to keep them safe.

"Now as far as payment goes, I will give you the 100 Ducats up front, so when we finish up here, I will pay you all at the office as my men go and arrange our supply needs." he said as he motioned for another round of ale from the barmaid.

 

[Paendragon]

He sat on his white steed with the cowl on his long cloak pulled low over his face to hide his Elvin features. He looked down over the town of Elston before him. There were Dwarves present, he knew. He had seen them enter days ago. Dwarves did not seem to like Elves much, and with good reason. Attempted Genocide would do that to a race.

He had watched the town for quite sometime. He had heard about the place, but couldn't quite believe of it's existence. It was said that humans, elves, and Dwarves could all enter, and coexist in relative peace. He hadn't seen anything lately to disprove that.

"I suppose there's only there's only way to find out for sure, my friend," he spoke to his mount in Elvish. "Lets go in."

The horse nodded, and walked down the hill, needing no further coaxing than Leaf's words.



"Stay here, Friend. You'll be safe," he spoke in Elvish, and the horse snorted. Leaf switched to human-speak. "Take good care of him child, and you'll be well-rewarded."

The stable boy nodded. "I will, master. Valjun's truth, I will."

Leaf smiled, and nodded, before heading into the inn. He had been told upon entering the town that it was the only inn with any vacancy. With a name like the "Drunken Wastrel" Leaf wasn't surprised.

He walked into the common room, and stepped up to the bar. "I'll be needing a room, Innkeeper."

The man behind the bar, a fat balding man with an apron smiled up at him. "We have two rooms free, Master Elf."

"My name is Leaf, good innkeeper."

The innkeeper bobbed his head, nodding, the smile never leaving his face. "Master Leaf it is then."

They haggled a price; and when it was settled, Leaf ordered a glass of a fermented berry juice they kept for some of their Elvin customers. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad. Leaf thanked the Innkeeper, and settled into a chair in the corner. Word is, there is a fairly talented bard working here. It would be nice to hear song again.

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

After introducing himself to Rhurac the Dwarf, Angus sat down and began to savor his ale. The bounty hunter ventured a question regarding the departure time and Logan answered in turn.

Angus breathed a sign of relief when he heard that they were to be leaving soon. However, to be safe it would be best if he were to lay low until the morning. In addition, he had been traveling all of last night and the ale was only adding to his fatigue. He felt that he ought to take rest soon.

"Logan" Angus remarked, "I am feeling exhausted, do you know of quality lodging where I may find rest?"

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

After finishing his second large mug of ale, Rhuarc turned to Logan. " I have all my needed supplies except some extra food, I would also ask you to procure a pony for me since large horses make me uncomfortable. I am turning in for the night at my shop. I have a little extra room in the shop with a couple of spare pallets for sleeping on, if anyone is so inclined. My shop is five doors down on the left with the large Silversmith sign on the front.

So saying, Rhuarc nods to his companions and makes his way to his shop. His senior apprentice was still awake and Rhuarc went over some of the things that the young human would need to do in his absence. His affairs in order, Rhuarc told his apprentice that they may be having company and to set up a few extra pallets in the apprentice dorm area. Rhuarc smiles up at the young human, reaches up and pats him on the shoulder, and then turns into bed to get some much needed rest.

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

Just after Angus posed his question about lodging he found the answer in Rhurac's speech. The last place Edwin would look for him would be in a craftsman's shop. Rhurac's kind offer would be perfect, although Angus was sure that the accomidations would be rather basic.

"Good Rhurac, I would be more then happy to accept your kind lodgings" Angus remarked, "I shall retire to your shop when my ale is finished". After finishing up his ale, Angus said goodnight to Logan and the bounty hunter and left the Drunken Wastrel.

He turned to his left just as the Dwarf had said and walked over to the Silversmith's shop. As he entered the shop, he was met by a young man about his own age who was likely the Dwarf's apprencite. "Ah, ye must be here for th'lodgings" the apprencite remarked. Angus nodded and the lad escorted him to a sleeping pallet. Although not normally accustomed to such rustic bedding, Angus had experienced sleeping outdoors in the hills on hunting trips and also on his recent flight, so he knew he could easily manage.

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:
Tent of meeting

"Friend Brightleaf," the chief takes the sword and holds it high, "Your sword and your service is gladly accepted by Bloodluck--man and village." With a swishing noise, the chief swings the blade around the two of them until it stops a mere fingers length from the elf's open palm.

With the precision of experience, the ogre nicks the right palm of his new ally and then his own right palm. "Together our blood will be, for all time until eternity." The mighty rhyme echos into the empty sky and thunder laughs back.

With the ritual over, Bloodluck returns the sword to its rightful owner. "As you no doubt see, the wound has already healed. Now, all who serve me out of debt or out of courage will know you as an ally. Indeed, even the elf could now see the slight green glow eminating from Bloodluck.

Seeing the elf's expression, Bloodluck explains. "What you are looking at is the aura of a person. All people have an aura and each is unique. Only the fairy folk and those with strong magic can truely understand auras. Ogres are blessed with a slight inclination to that path. We see enough of an aura to know if it is friend or not. Green is the color of my aura and all the village is marked with that trace. Now should you see an ogre, you will know immediately if it one of us--and also, they will see the same of you. Be careful though, some ogres like to target those in other ogre clans."

 

[SpectralDragoon]

Devin remained, drinking his ale, as the others began filtering out. His eyes watched them go, his mind chewing over the things he couldn't know. What type of danger would they face, what types of treasure would they find? Heaving a sigh, Devin throws a glance over to River and finds her looking in his direction as she sips her drink. From her passive expression he can't decipher what she's thinking.

Devin looks to Farstrider, "Well Logan, I'll go with you to your office and take payment, then I think I'll walk around town for a few hours, find a place to have a bath, then come back here and get a good night of rest. I take it we'll meet here in the morning?"

 

[Darklord]

Logan

As Angus and Rhuarc got up to leave, Logan reminded them to meet here in the morning. Soon enough, Devin, who had been staring at the elf-maiden, asked him where they we're going to meet.

"You are correct, we'll be meeting here tomorrow morning. As for collecting your fee, let's go now." and he put word into action. As he was leaving, he left instructions with the bartender that he would be back soon, and that he was still looking for another two or three traveling companions.

As they left the inn, they turned right and walked a few blocks, then took a left onto a street known as Jewler's Row. About five buildings down the street, Logan unlocked the door leading to his house. Gesturing Devin and his charge inside, he closed the door and lead the way upstairs.

Entering his rooms, he walked over to a strong box, and unlocking it, he counted out 100 Ducats, and placing them in a small pouch turned and handed them to Devin saying.

"Here's your portion of the payment. Like I said earlier, we will meet first thing in the morining at the Wandering Wastrel, and we will be riding soon after that." and nodding to them he sat a began to write several notes to his pages to take into town to arrange horses, a pony, and food for the whole group.

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

Rhuarc was up before the dawn as way his norm. He stretched and got out from under the blankets. He started his morning abulations. His senior apprentice came to him and informed him that they had a guest in the apprentice quarters. Rhuarc told Matrim to prepare an extra place at the table for breakfast. Matrim nodded and left the room.

Rhuarc went to the room and shook Angus awake. "Up and at em, Lad, that ale was a strong drink and I am not sure if you were going to wake on your own. Come on and lets go get some breakfast. Turning quickly, Rhuarc let Angus to the kitchen.

 

[crysede]

River:
Although her eyes are focused the cup in her hands, her attention remains on the men. Out of the corner of her eye she notices the dwarf Rhuarc observing her closely for several moments: he must have noticed the elfin blood in her. He doesn't show and outward signs of hostility towards her. This is a good sign, though not conclusive, dwarves too can learn to conceal their emotions.

Once the toasting is finished and the other two men have left, her captor remained talking with Farstrider. Finally getting to their feet, Davin gestured that she was to follow, and then headed to the inn door after the older man. It was pleasant to be among the bustling crowds of the city again, even if it was at her captor's heels.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

"What?" I stared at the man.
The price he was asking was incredible, but worse still, he gave no indication of being lenient on terms of payment. Money up front.
I thought for a moment, recounting what I held in my pouch, and what I had stored away at home.Not even close to his asking price, which was a bit more than the land was worth in my view point. But it was good land.
Real good land, and a few places in the ground appeared promising in terms of mining...the right trees grew, and the wrong ones didn't.
I headed into the streets, leaving the office where I'd spoken to the man about the land. It seemed a local politician owned the land, and I must meet his price in cash in order to purchase the land.
I headed through the street, finding the Wastrel as two men and an elf exited, and stomping my way to the bar. Planning on spending my night sulking, I ordered a pitcher of ale and made myself comfortable at a table in the back.

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

Angus was swifty brought out his dreams by the shaking of Rhurac. Rather confused, he begin to search for his sword but quickly realized that it was the amiable dwarf who awoke him instead of an enemy. In his confusion, he only heard the word "breakfast". In a groggy manner he followed the dwarf into the kitchen.

Breakfast had a workingman-like feel to it. It was a little more hearty then Angus was used to but still good. The dwarf was giving some last minute instructions to his apprencites which of course Angus did not understand what he was talking about.

After about 15 minutes the meal was finished. Angus saw that the dwarf's instructions to his underlings were complete and he thought that now would be a good time to leave for the Wastrel.
"Friend Rhurac" Angus announced, "I am setting for the inn now to meet our companions. Are you ready to leave?. If not, I will meet you there"

Angus nodded at Rhurac, left the shop and walked into the Wastrel. He was the first one of the party here so he decided to order an ale to pass the time.

 

[Paendragon]

OOC: Sorry everyone, things came up, and I haven't been able to keep up with all my posts. I'll just jump in now, in the morning.

IC:

Leaf woke early as was his custom, dressed, and walked to the common room of the Wandering Wastrel. He ordered and ate, a light breakfast, and was sitting quietly drinking warm tea.

His thoughts, however, were on the half-elf woman he had seen leave the Wastrel the night before. Or more importantly, what he felt from her. She caried something on her. Something old, and powerful. What he did not know. Perhaps a relic of the Great Tragedy (what the people who raised him called the Elf-Dwarf War) ?

He had been too surprised at the time to attempt to ask her about it. Plus, the man she was with didn't seem the type to stand for idle conversation. He gave off the feeling of a loaded spring to Leaf. Under perfect control, until the moment he was needed to explode. Then the spring would... well... spring. A dangerous man.

Leaf himslef didn't like violence, or killing. It was too final a solution. As a rule, he avoided the types of people who do. This time, however, he had to find out what she had, what she was hiding. It had kept him tossing and turning all night. He only hoped she would return.

 

[poohlive]

"HARRRUMPH!"
It was an exciting shout, piercing out into the forests around. He swung the sword low, letting it arch to it's full extent. The tree shook as it was first hit.
He let go of the weapon. Halfway embedded into the trunk, seemed good, very good. Weaving it back and forth, Roc finally took the darned thing out.
"Wow, nearly cut the tree in half," Lyt circled around it. Roc nodded, glancing at the blade's edge.
"Such a shame it wasn't sharpened, I could have swiped it clean through."
Lyt nodded wholeheartedly. A troll's mind was normally slow, ignorant, and qucik to temper. She had learned long ago to simply agree with him. Especially on feats of strength.
He let out a horrnedous roar, slicing through the tree. It shook, as the entire thing cascaded to the ground. Animals shrieked out, birds calling for miles around.
Sheathing the weapon, he couldn't help but feel satisfied with himself.
"Good."
Lyt sneezed, as if agreeing with him.

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

Rhuarc eats his hearty breakfast, relishing what may be his last well prepared meal for a while. He watches Angus out of the corner of his eye and wonders what adventures this young man has had so far in his short life. Rhuarc nods to Angus when he announces that he is going to the Wandering Wastrel. "AH, I will join you there, almost ready to go. " He waves Angus onward towards the Wastrel.

Rhuarc uses his keys to open up his locked cabinet in the back of his storeroom. Inside is his enchanted chain mail armor that served him well in his younger years. For many years, before his family was able to drag him back to the forge, he was a wandering adventurer. Why, he was still a young pup of 130 when he gave it up to join his family at the shop. He felt younger than he had in years, his passion for adventure was stirring again. He places his armor in a backpack and chooses his weapons carefully. He has a full assortment in the cabinet, a legacy of danger. He takes out his beloved axe and his short sword. He places the axe in a cleverly designed holder on his back and straps the short sword at his side.

He locks the cabinet back up and looks around the storeroom. He wipes a tear from his eye, he will miss this old shop. He is off for an adventure that may bring back the treasures of his heritage. No sacrifice was too large to do that. Saying a prayer to Reorx, he turned from his past and made his way to the doorway. He waved to his apprentices and exited his shop, starting a journey to a new chapter of his life.

 

[Darklord]

Logan

He got up with the early morning light, just after the sun crept first over the horizon. Stretching he got out of his bed and quickly got dressed in his old battered leather armor that had stood him in such good sted these past few years. It went over clothes in the mottled green and brown of a Ranger dressing for the woods, over which he would eventually pull a cloak of green and brown. But before that he carefully strapped his long sword to his side, placed some daggers about his body. Put a full quiver over his shoulder and finally put the cloak on. Striding over to a cabinet, he opened it and pulled forth his long bow. It was made from the wood of the yew tree and was almost 5 feet tall. It took a strong man to use this bow, and it could put an arrow half way into the trunk of an oak tree. Smiling he closed the doors, and left his house carrying several pouches full of money.

Just outside he was met by a couple of his boys holding the reins to three horses and a pony. Nodding he led the way to the Drunken Wastrel where he left the horses with the stable boy, and walking in nodded to Angus before getting some ale and leaving an order for a hearty breakfast. Sitting at the table he asked his companion his opinion.

"So lad, ready to be off already huh? Well thats good to see, now, I was wondering, do you mind if I ask for anymore takers of this adventure? I think we might need some more strong arms before we are done, but I don't want to offend the rest of the group and they must be here too, before I recruit again, but I'd like your opinion now."

 

[Gaston_McBain]

Angus

Halfway through his early morning ale, Logan walked into the Wastrel. He was wearing a brownish-green cloak over leather armor and looked prepared to embark. He nodded to Angus, ordered ale and breakfast, and sat down at a table at which Angus joined him.

Logan then posed a question about possible new members. "In my opinion" Angus replied "the more men the merrier. It is always better to have too many swords then too few. However, will you be able to find competent men at this hour?"

After answering Logan, Angus then took a deep sip of the ale: "Nothing like a stout brew to wake you up" he thought. He glanced again at Logan's clothing. Although he had never met the man, somewhere he had seen this sort of attire. However he could not place when or where he had seen it. Thinking it would be rather rude to ask, Angus let the thought slip away.

 

[chewbacca71]

Rhuarc

Rhuarc gets to the Wastrel and approaches the bar. He asks for some ale and then scans the room. He give the barkeep some coins and takes his ale to the table with Angus and Logan. He nods to the two men, and sits down with them. He asks what they were talking about.

He gives his opinion that the more men on a quest of this magnitude , the better. There should be plenty of treasure for all, so the more firepower they could bring to bear , the easier it would be for them all to survive. This should prove to be an interesting adventure for them all.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Dust

The man's voice woke me from my slumber. Well, drunken slumber might better describe it. When I opened my eyes, the light stung them. When I lifted my head to face the world, the world got angry and decided to spin around me, taunting me. I leaned back and propped my head on the back of the chair.
What was he saying? A journey? An adventure? My mind seemed to slap me with a idea. Adventures...they paid people for those, didn't they?
I jumped up and staggered clumsily over to the table the men sat at.
"Pardon me, sir?" I begin, unsure if I was intelligible or not. I watch the man for a response. He dances around me, as does his friend, neither of whom seem to be moving their feet. After another moment, I realize the table is dancing too.
That would be he last of my drinking for a while...at least a few hours.
"Did you say you needed someone to accompany you on an adventure?"

 

[bobo_daclown]

Bloodluck:
In the village

The two men talk the rest of the day and most of the night. Obviously, the witch has been out of contact with most of her friends--if you can call them that--for some time. At some point, the elf and Bloodluck part and sleep for the remainder of the night.

In the morning, Bloodluck awakens and leaves his tent to watch the sun cut into the cool morning air. As normal, he stretches his body and lets out a deafening roar to wake the village. As always, the women are quick to leave for the morning hunt and the men begin to work the gardens. Bloodluck waits in his tent for any news of the day.

 

[SpectralDragoon]

The shutters stood open, and the blade gleamed in the light of the morning that was admitted through the window to touch the floor. Devin studied it, held out to his side, the blade following the line of his arm toward the wall. The blade itself would be called a saber. While noblemen and royalty often carried blades to show their status, they were usually so ornate and delicate that they had almost no real use in battle. Most experienced men knew that if you run into a man with a simple weapon, you can be damned sure he’ll know how to use it, and that it’s simple because it serves a purpose. This blade however, was a mesh of those two different things. It was well constructed for use, but at the same time was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It helped to blend in and mingle with the upper class.

With a sigh, he guided the tip to the scabbard and let the blade slide down into it. He slipped his black shirt with silver designs around the neck on over his bare chest and turned to see what River was doing. When he practiced in a safe environment he could shut everything out and concentrate his all into working through the forms of his style. She was silently watching him, as she normally did. He found it unnerving sometimes, and he often wondered what she thought about as her eyes took things in. He looked at her for a moment as he slipped his money pouch onto his belt, which held a small amount of coin. “Are you ready?”

She nodded and he hefted his pack and once more made the trip down the stairs to the common room. He saw the men sitting around a table and he made his way there, letting his pack sit on the floor. “Good morning,” he greeted them. “I’ll just go get some fruit for our morning meal and we are fit to set out if you are.” He looked over the faces there at that table, waited for their response, and then crossed the room to acquire the fruit. After a few minutes he returned, his sword swinging on his hip.
And when he did, he found a man of ragged appearance and slurred speach who swayed on his feet leaning over the table.
He kept to the left and stopped a bit beside the man to see what he was saying.