After the war

[thorgrim29]

Players:

-Meklor as Abelard "stoneface", german dwarf crusader of St-Cuthbert
-Ethrael as Kyrië, half fey druid
-Lukmar as Jaccopo, cat burglar extraordinaire
-PrivatePlatypus as Esteban, Bard and one of the few remaining monotheists.
New player: Ahus as Rolec, grey elf conjurer



So, let's get started shall we?

[thorgrim29]

You all start to arrive in "The kings' coin", well to do establishment catering mainly to the numerous mercenaries Venice employs to make money and secure Her influence. As you come in, summoned by your handler, and go to the bar as instructed the landlord himself escorts you to a private room up the first flight of stairs, a tastefully but simply decorated room evidently used for briefings, with much used maps of different regions of the world on the walls, and no window. He infors you that all your food and drink is taken care of, but that you would do well not to get get drunk.

[MeklorIlavator]

Adelard:
Eh, no need to worry about me.
Adelard wastes no time in heading over to the refreshment table, pouring himself a tankard of Ale, then turning to observe the others.

[Ethrael]

Kyrië Lymnon

Kyrië glides up the stairs, looking, interested, at the portraits lining the walls. Aetos, a beautiful, golden-brown eagle, swoops up after him, perching on his shoulder.

Entering the room, Kyrië surveys the scene. He is clad in elegantly made druid robes and wears exotic, finely crafted armour. He smiles at the people congregated in this room, and his sharp, fine teeth glint the light of the room. He sleek, platinum blond hair glows almost supernaturally and his void-filled, black eyes absorb all that light. He nods to his companions advice, and assures him sweetly, Don't worry. I don't drink. His voice is vibrant, with a mellow, reverberating, hollow fullness to it. As he turns to move to one of the luxurious sofas, the two, large, butterfly wings on his back are visible, protruding prominently and shining their glitterful radiance about the room. He moves with a graceful elegance, and it seems to raise the question of whether he is a man or a woman, his androgyny flaunted and paraded openly.

He sits, slightly at an angle so as not to crumple his wings, and nods at his companions, as Aetos gorges himself on seeds and nuts provided.

[Lukmar]

Jacopo, Human Cat Burglar

A tall, lightly tanned young man with unruly black hair and blue eyes walks into the briefing room escorted by the landlord. His attire is simple yet utilitarian: a faded tunic-style yellow shirt, crossed with a leather belt at the waist, and thin leather trousers that show signs of being well-worn to match a pair of old boots. The only garment that is not worn or faded is his deep-green cloak. A careful observer would notice that there are ripples under the man’s shirt as he makes his way into the room.

Jacopo sweeps the room with a glance, taking particular notice of the two occupants already present: a dwarf nursing a tankard of ale and the half-human with butterfly wings sitting on a sofa. Jumping from one to the other, Jacopo’s mischievous blue eyes finally settle on the dwarf’s clean-shaven cheeks and he breaks into a smile.

Greetings. He says with a polite nod to the two strangers, Though I grew up in the melting pot of Europe that is Venice, it is refreshing to see that she still has a few surprise sights to offer. His tone is jovial and sincere, with no hint of malice.

But I am forgetting my manners! Name’s Jacopo da Chioggia, at your service.

With that Jacopo moves to the refreshments table, carefully eyeing the selection of wines available, before he pours himself a glass of Tuscan red. Taking a small sip, he turns to face his companions.

[Ethrael]

Kyrië smiles at the man. And I Kyrië of the Lake. Pleasure to meet you both. He nods and chuckles a low, full, heart-warming chuckle. If you find me surprising you have yet to discover the mountain forests of Greece.

Aetos looks up at the newcomer and swoops over to his master, making a polite greeting Coo! Oh, of course, pardon me. And this here is Aetos, my first and dearest friend. He ruffles the eagle's head feathers and the animal jiggles its body around a bit in delight.

[Lukmar]

Jacopo, Human Cat Burglar

Well met Kyrië of the Lake. You too, Aetos. Says Jacopo, admiring the eagle as it swoops over to Kyrië.

Taking another sip from his wine, he adds. I have ventured a few times outside the city, though never straying too far. Have you traveled much before coming to Venice?

[Ethrael]

Please, just call me Lymnon. This language makes names so much longer. Kyrië says dismissively. When Jacobo asks his question, Kyrië furrows his brow in concentration. I grew up in the mountains, in the forests... and I know I traveled a while before reaching the lake... But other than that I can't remember traveling as a child. In the past few years I have traveled across many of the Central European mountains and valleys, sometimes settling, sometimes merely passing through. I have never really been in a city, though, and I am thoroughly interested with what you humans have created... He adds, motioning to the ornate ceiling and walls. And you, friend? He directs this last at Adelard. Have you traveled much?

[MeklorIlavator]

Adelard:
"More than I would have liked, , but I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Adelard Kranet, and before the War I was from Germany, near the southern border..." At this, Adelard pauses slightly, then gives a slight shake of his head."But that was a long time ago. Venice is as much of a home as I'll likely find now. I do remember being sent over to Greece at one point, nice place. The people were remarkable resilient, as well."

[Ethrael]

Kyrië smiles at his last statement. True, very true indeed. After a slight pause and a look about the room, he adds, I believe we're waiting for one other member of this party, no?

[Lukmar]

Jacopo, Human Cat Burglar

As you prefer Lymnon, but then I insist you reciprocate by just calling me Jacopo. Says Jacopo with a nod and a smile, listening attentively as the half-fey describes his journey across Europe.

As the dwarf joins in the introductions, Jacopo acknowledges him with another nod. Pleasure to meet you Adelard Kranet.

As the room falls silent, he moves to the table laden with food and picks a few morsels before replying to Kyrië. I was only told that I was to meet with others who offer their services to La Serenissima, though no mention was made of how many we would be.

[Ethrael]

Interesting. I was told the... authorities... were hiring four people. I just assumed now that we're waiting for the last one, and then we can get going! Kyrië seems quite obviously excited by this, a smile broadening his face by a couple of inches. What are your individual professions? Do you specialise in combat? Or have you mastered the mystic arts?

[PrivatePlatypus]

Esteban

As if on a cue from Kyrië's question, the door on the far side of the room opens to reveal a man in his mid twenties, dressed simply in a pair of dark slacks and a form fitting shirt covered by a deep red vest. His collar rises to surround the lower portion of his neck, a small speck of white peaking through the ebony fabric around his throat and joining the two sides. The extremely perceptive might notice the glint of metal near the ends of his sleeves or the fine chain that hangs around his neck before dropping beneath his vest.

Looking across the room, his deep yellow eyes make contact with the others; he bows his head slightly as he speaks. "Please forgive my tardiness, the fathers had told me stories of the City of Bridges, but I must admit it's beauty was even greater than I expected. Even if my life were my own and I did nothing but walk her streets, I wouldn't be able to capture this city's splendor in song." Looking up towards the ceiling, a wistful look passes across his face as his eyes lose their focus for a moment. With a start, his attention returns to his new companions as he extends his hand in greeting. "Esteban."

[Ethrael]

Kyrië whirls round to look at Esteban, smiling beamingly at the newcomer. He floats over to him and puts out his hand to shake his. Kyrië, Kyrië Lymnon, but do just call me Kyrië. Don't worry about being late, nothing has happened yet, so you haven't missed anything important yet. He adds, trying to be helpful.

[Lukmar]

As Jacopo is about to answer Kyrië’s question, the door on the far side of the room opens and another man steps forth. As the newcomer introduces himself, Jacopo is left wondering about the curious comment. “Even if my life were my own”… What an unusual turn of phrase! Is he a clergyman?

Stepping forward, Jacopo grasps the proffered hand in a firm shake, blue eyes meeting their yellow counterparts and seizing the man up. Jacopo da Chioggia. Welcome to Venice, Esteban. He says with a warm smile.

As introductions are made all around, Jacopo gestures towards the tables with the food and drink. Food and refreshments are provided by our hosts, so do help yourself. If you enjoy wine, the red from Florence has a particularly vibrant, yet subtle, taste.

[PrivatePlatypus]

Esteban seems genuinely relieved by the warm welcome, relaxing noticeably when Kyrië makes an effort to downplay his late arrival. His smile is broad and genuine as he shakes hands with the others, especially Jacopo, showing a great deal of interest when he mentions the Italian wines. "I had prayed that I might have a chance to try the local wines and now my prayers are answered, the Lord is indeed kind and all-knowing."

Walking towards the table, Esteban opens the bag hanging on his belt, reaching in and pulling out a fine crystal goblet. he grabs one of the open bottles, and pours a small amount into the bottom of his glass, swirling it before placing his nose near the edge and inhaling lightly. His face lights up as he takes a small sip and places the glass down on the table. "A type of magic in its own right." Esteban reaches back towards the bag on his belt, this time sinking his hand deep inside of it. You get the feeling that a bag of its size shouldn't be able to accommodate a man's arm to the elbow...

After a brief search, he removes his hand, now grasping a bottle of wine with a faded yellow label. Carefully removing the cork, he mixes this with the wine already in his glass, causing the color of the drink to turn a rich red. Lifting the glass from the table again, he pauses slightly before he drinks, placing his hand against his chest as he bows his head and closes his eyes. His moment of prayer complete, he raises the glass towards the others.

"Would the rest of you care to have a glass with me? It seems everyone in this city has a story, and what better way to pass the time?"

[Ethrael]

Kyrië looks on, amazed and amused, as the new fellow pulls out a goblet from his belt pouch. Just then, it's snaps for him too. He said "The Lord". Could he... no! He's too interesting, and too good looking, for a monotheist. Ha! Great Obad-Hai, you truly do have a good sense of humour...

Kyrië masterfully quells any emotions which might display suspicion both on the surface and deep down in his mind. He glides over to the side of the table opposite to Jacopo and next to Adelard, and pours himself a small glass of clean, pure water. He passes his hand over it briefly, making the sign of his druidic coven, before raising it to the rest of the party. Cheers to us all, may we be successful in all our ventures.

[thorgrim29]

((ok, so I'll be leaving you a bit of time to get to know each other, so give me a holler on the ooc when you're ready))

[Lukmar]

Watching with interest as Esteban savors the wine, Jacopo raises an eyebrow when the newcomer’s arm disappears all the way to the elbow as it rummages in the bag hanging on his belt.

Clearly appearances are deceiving with this group... working alongside them is definitely going to be interesting.

Jacopo’s eye light up with curiosity as Esteban pulls a bottle of wine from his bag. Draining the rest of his drink, he washes out the glass with some water before turning to Esteban. I would be more than happy to try out your wine. As his glass is filled, he raises it in toast with the others. To our endeavors: wherever they lead us, may success always follow!

With that, Jacopo repeats the process Esteban did: gently swirling the wine around in the glass while judging its color, sniffing its aroma and, finally, taking a small sip. Closing his eyes as he savors the wine, Jacopo takes a few moments before looking back at the last arrival.

Truly, a fine vintage… And not like those one usually finds in Venice. It is not German, nor French. Mhmm, could it possibly be Iberian?

Spoiler

Show

Chef check to determine the provenence of the wine! (1d20+10)[21]

[Ethrael]

Kyrië looks on at the two as they blather on about the wines of Europe and her surrounding areas, looking remarkably dumb and lost in the situation. Instead, he snaps out of his reverie and turns to Adelard beside him, So what is Germany like? I've never been, but I have a couple bear friends who says there's a huge population of them there...

[PrivatePlatypus]

Esteban raises his glass and toasts along with Kyrië."To the roads that have brought us together and the ones we have yet to travel."

Looking towards Jacopo, Esteban gives a small nod. "It is. I only consider myself a dabbling sommelier, but it's good to know I'll be traveling with someone who is more knowledgeable. Did you learn about wine here in Italy or have you traveled?"

[Lukmar]

Jacopo takes a longer sip of wine before replying to Esteban’s question. I would hardly consider myself a proper sommelier… My knowledge of wines is mostly self-taught and it supplements my main passion: cooking. He flashes a smile at the other man.

As I was telling the others, I have not traveled outside Venice that often, and even in those few occasions I never strayed too far from the city. Hopefully, our assignments will give me a chance to visit the lands beyond La Serenissima.

Pausing, Jacopo takes his time to appraise Esteban, weighing whether to speak his mind or not. Well, if I will be working with him might as well put all the cards on the table.

If you don’t mind me being so direct, what is your calling? Your earlier comments seem to point towards a clergyman of some kind… yet you also mentioned not being able to capture Venice’s beauty in song, so perhaps you are a minstrel as well?

[Ahus]

Rolec Selar

Rolec, a slightly tall slender elf with silver hair and dull grey eyes and skin, appears as if out of nowhere he is clothed in a simple equally dull grey robe. Rolec sits quietly near the corner of the room. If any were paying particular attention when Kyrië mentioned the Mystic arts they might have seen the elf dip his head ever so slightly.

[PrivatePlatypus]

Reaching under his vest, Esteban pulls lightly on the chain around his neck, bring a small silver crucifix into view. His voice takes on a somber note as he runs his hand over its surface. "Need they be exclusive? The All-mighty has blessed me with the power to calm and comfort through song, a gift I use to spread his message when able... Although lately it seems there are few who care to listen."

Pushing the holy symbol back beneath his vest, a smile returns to his face, although it has faded slightly from earlier. "If it is all the same, please let's speak of something else. I find my faith often results in more hostility than friendship. What about you? Why would anyone want to leave a city like Venice, so full of music and light? Do you hope to practice your cooking abroad?"

[Lukmar]

Not quite comprehending the significance of the crucifix, Jacopo nonetheless understands it is a matter that has given Esteban grief in the past, so he simply nods.

Not all that glitters is gold. Says Jacopo with a knowing smile. Venice is indeed full of many wonders, and as my home it will always have a place in my heart, but you would be surprised at how quickly the fantastic transforms itself into the mundane.

For me it is doubly so, as I hear many tales of the wonders that lie beyond this city: stories of lands where dragons still rule the skies, of giants and their strange cities, of unicorns and lizardmen. Now that I am given this opportunity to see for myself if the stories are true, I would be a fool not to take it. His eyes brighten at the mention of these exotic beings.

Looking back at Esteban, he concludes with a smile. If the opportunity arises, I would happily enjoy practicing my culinary skills abroad, as well as tasting foreign delicacies; but I doubt there will be much time for that during our missions.

[MeklorIlavator]

Adelard:

Adelard seems taken aback by Kyrië's question, pausing for a second before answering.
"What it's like? Well, it's been a long time: I haven't really been there since the War began. But I remember my town well enough. We were near enough to the Swiss border to have some real mountains nearby, but for the most part is was forests. Now that you mention it, I think we did have some bear trouble, but more often it was wolves. But, as I said previously, that was before the War. I'm not sure what it's like now. If you've been traveling over central Europe you might very well have a better idea of conditions than me."
Subsiding, Adelard simply listens to the conversation for a while, but perks up at the end of Lukmar's speech.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. If we end up leaving the city then we'll either be eating standard trail rations or whatever we can make, and the rations aren't anyone's idea of fine dining."

[Lukmar]

Looking over at Adelard, Jacopo smiles in response to the dwarf’s comment about field rations.

Well, I agree that rations are not as appetizing as what I could prepare while we are on the move… he pauses, rubbing his chin musingly. Are any of you good hunters? Fresh meat goes a long way towards making a decent dinner!

[Ethrael]

Kyrië nods as Adelard tells him about Germany and it's bordering countries. True, I might have been to the outskirts of Germany, it's possible. Noticing Rolec appear, he smiles at him and motions to him to join them at the

As the culinary conversation continues ((3 'C's!! )) Kyrië simply sips slowly ((3 'S's!!)) from his water. As Lukmar mentions the hunting, he seems to choke slightly, making a sudden noise, but taking the situation under control swiftly. I do not eat meat... He manages in a small voice, and if any animal you hunt ever calls to me for protection, I'm afraid I will oblige. He adds, his voice overridden with a warning, possibly threatening tone. It is my duty as one of Nature's wardens and caretakers, please do not take it personally. He finishes by putting down his glass and moving over to Aetos by the corner of the room.

[Lukmar]

Noticing Kyrië sudden discomfort, Jacopo’s face reflects his concern for the Half-Fey. Is he choking on... ah.

As the druid unambiguously illustrates his position on hunting and his duties as one of Nature’s caretakers, Jacopo relaxes again though a shadow remains in his blue eyes. Well… another faux-pas. It seems I am becoming an expert at broaching sensitive topics with my potential companions… I wonder if the restrictions apply to fish as well…

Wisely deciding not voice his thoughts, he looks straight at Kyrië who has moved to the corner of the room and replies instead. No offence taken and I do apologize if you found my comments to be disrespectful, that was not my intention. Venice is a city where people from a wide variety of backgrounds come together; and the best way to ensure that we all get along is to respect every individual’s beliefs and choices, as long as these do not impede on the beliefs or freedoms of others… Jacopo allows that last bit to sink in, before addressing the group as a whole.

If we are to work together, it is best that these matters are voiced now rather than later when they might compromise our ability to fulfill a mission. To further that, disclosing some information on each of our professions or callings would perhaps be appropriate at this point. He looks at the gathered faces to see if there are any objections or comments before resuming again.

I am a specialist in information and item retrieval, dismantling mechanical contraptions and accessing locales which are usually out of bounds. My services are requested when stealth is preferred in lieu of brute force. Though the tone is serious, his relaxed smile takes any edge off his words and indicates that the choice of euphemisms is deliberately ironic.

[thorgrim29]

As Jocopo finishes explaining himself, the door opens. A man walks in. He is indescribable to the extreme, but his watchful air scream "spy!" to all in the room. After a few seconds, he nods

All clear sir

A aging bull of a man strides inside. At anyone's best guess, he is around 55 to 60 years old, and still moves with the easy grace of a master swordsman. Indeed, even though he is unarmored, the hilt of a claymore sticks out from the small of his back, and he looks fully strong enough to wield the enormous blade. He stares at the sprawling group a while, before grunting and speaking up with a strong, deep voice.

Gentlemen, I am Frederic Kage, your new handler. Your little group here has been put together by the personnel bureau of the Venice Free Companies, Armed auxiliaries Division for an express purpose, that I am here to explain

Explanation: A misleading name, the Venice Free companies, are the fabled mercenary outfits for which you work. At all times, they have half a dozen regiment strength armies on the field at various sites around Europe. The Armed Auxiliaries are the division you are in, and resemble a cross between an elite support unit and an adventurer's guild.

dc 20 knowledge local check

Spoiler

Show

Frederic Kage is an high ranking member of the Free companies, he has served in both the regular forces and the mercenaries for many decades, and many stories of his heroism and resourcefulness are traded around by the members of the companies.

Usually, the Auxiliaries are deployed near one of the Companies, but it has been decided by the Triumvirate that the interests of the City would be well served by a rather more informal subdivision.

His distaste for the informal part is evident

You will be deployed alone, much like as if you were a scouting party or in some cases adventuring company, only of course you remain under orders from the VFCs (Venice free companies). You will be granted more independence then is usual, and your missions will be more dangerous, cut as you will be from reinforcements most of the time.

He pauses, takes a deep breath, and points his finger at a point on a map of Germany, near the Swiss border

Your first mission will have a search and retrieve objective. Baron Sammet, who has, like most German nobles pointed look at Abelard, lost his feifdom during the last War, has thus far been unable to retrieve some family heirlooms hidden in his manor, a sword, a shield and a chalice that had been in his family since the beginning of the Eternal Kaiser's reign. As a reward for a great service he did for Venice, he has asked us to retrieve them.

You objective is therefore Sammet Castle, near the small town of Ublenheim, right here.

He plants a small red nail in the map at the objective

The town been since claimed by a wizard going by the name Harlan, and he has set, with limited success, to retame the land that has been, I'm sure I don't have to tell you, devastated by the War. As of our last reports, he has not done more then survey the castle, therefore the items should still be where the Sammets have hidden them.


Questions?