DeepBlue's Vagabond - Act 1

[Deepblue706]

"The route?" Claudius asks wearily. "The road north, which ends a short while before the forest. Once in the forest, you'll be taking an old road northwest, and then upon reaching the end, you'll head north and west some more - about 40 miles until you reach the town, if I recall correctly. Not a complicated route, but you'll certainly be better off with a conscious guide. In any case, I can get a map from the Cartographer's Guild - it might help if you lose your way. As for the transaction itself..." He quietly considers his words. "...my man is merely collecting paperwork - but he has a way of proving himself as my associate. That is all that need be presented to acquire the papers." His tone turns a bit stern. "But do what you can to keep your charge alive - he's not a common man under my employ, but happens to be a trusted friend. If you do not think you can reach the destination safely, do not attempt the journey."

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

Flare gives Schorbuck an inscrutable look. Don't worry Claudius. I can't speak for Schorbuck of course, but I'm quite certain that me and my friends have what it takes to get your man there safely. You don't have anything to worry about.

[Deepblue706]

Len stands up, pointing to Flare, trying to support his statement. "Yeah, he's right. This here fella's got more than a good fighting instinct - he's even gifted with magic!" She grins. "And I'm mean with a good weapon - shucks, I can take on a brigade of men if I've got the right gear! And Harold here..." She glances to him. "...He can...uh...do stuff too!"

Fargrim seems disappointed about not being mentioned. Claudius glances to him, expecting something, but the silent man merely shrugs.

"...So, is there anything else? More information? Or perhaps, simply some biscuits for your tea?"

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
Harold rubs his temples, eyes closed, and gives Claudius a sympathetic look.
"Understood, m'lord. I think we'll be ready to go in an hour or so. Will that suit you, sir?" he asks, of the doughty halfling.

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

Schorbuk had predicted that very twisting of intent, and shrugged when it came to pass, replying nonchalantly.

"I think you'll all find that preparation is nine-tenths of success. Unless anyone here claims to be omniscient, I suggest we not underestimate things we're not familiar with. So far as I can tell, none of you have traveled this route, nor do you know anything substantial about the bandits we're apparently certain to encounter. In my experience spending months at a time on the seas, if you don't prepare at dockside for every practical eventuality, you simply drift off and die when one of them raises its ugly head. I remain alive by virtue of that philosophy; that's value enough, to me."

He then regards Claudius with an unaffected smile, and says, "You have nothing to fear with regard to my willingness to do what's necessary to accoplish the task, which includes keeping your friend alive and kicking. I merely think it best to know our options before it becomes an issue."

Clapping his small hands together and twisting them a bit as if squashing a bug, he says in a cheerful voice, "An hour's good for me!"

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

Flare's concealed gaze remains on Schorbuck. You're a mariner as well? We come in all different types, don't we? And it's inevitable that folk like us would gravitate to this lifestyle. The sea taught me that I had to be ready for anything. So, I'm better at planning when I only have a moment's notice to do it. He tilts his head. It's funny though. I never would have thought of you as a seaman. You seemed sort of a stuffed shirt to me. Smiling, he extends his hand to the halfling.

[Deepblue706]

"An hour?" Claudius asks. "I'll be back in a few moments - in the meantime, make yourselves at home." He exits through the door you came.

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

Little grey eyes light up when Flare reveals himself experienced on the seas; common ground always bodes well for a new association.

His hand shot out to meet Flare's for a solid shake. He was obviously no brute, but his grip had become strong over the years despite his tendency for weapons of finesse over those best to clout a head.

"Well! That's very interesting, I must say. Yes, we men of the sea are a varied lot, to say the least. As for my appearing as a stuffed shirt, I can only hope to pass that off as not yet having my land-legs. It hasn't been long since I've been off the shipping lanes and, frankly, I'm not very comfortable yet," he said rather seriously, but quickly followed with a laugh.

"I can assure you I'm quite a bit better company in more open spaces. So, tell me, what was your duty and what sorts of routes did you work? I was merely a passenger and cargo guard, rigger and lookout when the need arose, mostly plying the coastal routes here and around Capricus, as well as the main routes to and from the island. Plenty of dirty corsairs to deal with, unfortunately, but the experience sets me up well to deal with grounded bandits, I think."

Schorbuk nods vaguely to Claudius, obviously more interested in Flare's story than anything the elf had to say at the moment.

[Deepblue706]

After a short while, Claudius returns. "Maximilian - the man you'll be going with - will be prepared shortly. Honestly, not he nor I did think you would desire to leave so soon!" He smiles at his own words. "He's also bringing a servant of his own, so you should be well off. Do you desire to take a moment to gather equipment for the journey? You can take your leave from here anytime you desire - unless, of course, you had more questions."

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

Flare, as friendly as he seems, doesn't seem particularly inclined to elaborate. A seaworthy mage is usually welcome on most vessels. As for the details, it's probably better if you don't ask.

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

Schorbuk looks a bit disappointed, shrugging away the terse response, but seems entirely unoffended.

"Ahh, I get'ya. A little shadow-stuff, eh? I can relate, I think. Well, perhaps over some strong ale sometime down the road, you might be willing to lighten my piqued curiosity, but for now, consider it handily dropped."

As is said, is done, and he turns to Claudius without skipping a beat. "Unless these supplies are going for free, I think I'm stuck with what I've dragged off the ship. Good enough, though. As for leaving soon, well, there's no reason to delay, is there? The sooner we're off, the sooner your business will be taken care of, and the sooner we'll have our coin to play with." He smiled, whether at the prospect of something to jingle in his coin pouch or at the flippancy of his words, was hidden behind his impeccable teeth.

[Deepblue706]

Claudius nods to Schorbuk. "I can provision you some supplies. Some rations, water...if you desire anything beyond that, however, I would ask that you use your own coin to purchase it." He clasps his hands. "Maximilian is in the hall now - simply let him know you are ready, and you shall off. I'm afraid I have no more time to spend here - I've much work to do. Good luck, be safe, and..." He nearly walks out of the room before finishing his sentence. "...ask Maximilian about anything you're unsure of." With that, he leaves.

Again, you are left alone in the study.

The large, warrior-woman Len stands up swiftly, flexing her muscles as she cracks her immense knuckles."What are we waitin' for - the new year? Let's get a move on!"

Spoiler

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Check the OOC for important information.

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

The reflexive urge to say, "I love her!" or "A woman after my own heart!" flashed through Schorbuk's mind, but was, fortunately, caught and killed before it could slip out. Len didn't appear to be the sort to take such flippant remarks in the sense he would intend them. He settled for something far more mundane.

"My thoughts exactly." Which was true, of course, as he'd made them known once or twice already.

"I think I'll take Claudius up on the free rations and waterskin. I'm not keen on lugging such sundries about in the middle of town," he claims with no hint of embarrassment, as he takes the initiative to actually leave the room and exit into the hallway.

OOC

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So, I guess I can get some candy and H₂0 from Max? If so, feel free to work, say, a week's rations and a small waterskin, into your next post to save the back and forth on that minutia.

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare smiles serenely. Of course. As long as it isn't coming out of our pay. He steps beside Len. Sure thing. I look forward to fighting at your side once more.

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
Harold simply smiles to himself.
"Yes, provisions would be nice. I might want to take a quick trip by the Silver Star once more and talk to Mr. Gortana before we go, but that shouldn't take long. A few minutes, perhaps."

[Deepblue706]

Len smiles to Flare, and goes to follow Schorbuk. Fargrim slowly trods along, mumbling something about hating the wilderness.

Returning to the hall, you are met by a tall, young man with short red hair, dressed not in utilitarian attire, but rather the clothes of a courtier (albeit, a less afluent one). His puffy green shirt seems to exaggerate his build a touch, even if his frame is a bit large. At his belt is a rapier, held in a scabbard adorned with valuable, but second-rate gemstones. As with many nobles of Medici, it is likely that this man's sword is more often as jewelry than a weapon. "Ah, good day!" His expression suggests he's rather pleased to meet you. "I am Maximilian Mallory - you are ready to escort me now, are you not?"

The front doors open - interrupting the conversation - and a boy, overloaded with supplies, stumbles through. "I'm here, Mister Mallory!" He says, out of breath. "There you are, Willard! Have you the supplies?" The boy nods, panting. "Good, good. How much were you able to fetch?" He takes a moment to set down an oversized backpack, and then answers. "Five days worth of food and water, just like you said!" Maximilian frowns. "I said four - it's only two days there and two days back. You should pay closer attention to what others say." He pauses. "But very well - it's always good to have a bit extra, I suppose."

Maximilian turns back to you. "Oh, I would know your names - if we're to be travelling together, these next few days, a lack of proper introductions might make it a bit difficult to strike up conversation!"

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

Flare nods solemnly, taking in the man through his veiled eyes. Then his gaze shifts to the boy as he comes, and he strides gracefully toward him, seeming more interested in the subordinate than he is in the well-dressed lord. Let me help you with that, he says kindly. He opens up the backpack and takes a waterskin and a couple bundles of food out of it, adding it to his own pack in order to lighten the load a little.

Only then does he turn to Maximilian, nodding cordially but failing to extend a hand. I am Flare, a sorcerer from distant lands.

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold
Harold examines Maximillian critically.
Hmm. From the banter, I'd say we've got a noble who thinks he's a wit when he's really only half one. A little sharp with imprecision, too. Military service, perhaps?
The blond minstrel bows.
"A pleasure, I'm sure. My name is Harold Betruger."

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

A bit surprised at the appearance of Claudius' middle-man, Schorbuk surreptitiously examines him briefly. A faint shrug is masked by his immediately subsequent introduction.

"Schorbuk Longtoe, at your service; literally and figuratively. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He performs a shallow bow suitable for a man he considers to be no higher in station than himself, if that. He figured the man's flouncy clothing and ceremonial rapier were necessary to maintain appearances as a second to Claudius' more well-maintained air.

On the appearance of Max' aide, Schorbuk quickly followed Flare and also fished out a couple of ration packets and, after a bit more effort, a small waterskin obviously earmarked for him. With the items safely tucked away into his own backpack, leaving it a tad bit less deflated than it was, he rumpled the boy's hair and smiled, saying, "Thanks, young man."

Stepping back to his earlier position, he shrugs his pack into place, and asks, "So, does this mean we're just about ready to set off?"

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
"Nearly, nearly." Harold says, reassuringly.
"Just one more stop before we go, if you don't mind...I need to pick up a few things from the Silver Star, since we're leaving the city. Shouldn't take more than a minute or two."

[Deepblue706]

Len then steps forward, introducing herself as she pulls a skulking Fargrim forward. "I'm Len. This is 'Grim. We'll make sure nothin' bad'll happen to ya."

Maximilian nods to each of your party, and bows in kind to Schorbuk. "Very good." He is about to reply to the halfling's question, but halts himself once Harold speaks. At his words, he arches a brow. "The Silver Star? Never heard of it...but very well, I do not mind a short detour."

Willard doesn't answer, as he seems distracted with one of his packs. "What's wrong now, Willard?" The boy seems to be flustered at not being able to adjust a strap. "Give it to me, if it's annoying you that much." Maxmilian removes the pack from his shoulder, and slings it over his own. "Sorry Mister Mallory - carrying that much stuff is hard!" Maximilian almost cracks a smile. "No worries, boy. I'll carry some - and just deduct from your pay." He says with a laugh. Willard seems to have missed the humor, as he quickly goes to grab the pack back. "No, Willard, it was a joke. Do you really think me to be so cruel? Let me know when you're tired." He turns to Harold with a sigh. "We'll follow your lead, sir."

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

It's the Silver Arch, Flare says quietly to Harold. And can this wait? We're on pay now, and I don't think a bunch of costumes are really going to help us. In fact, they're going to load us down. Let's just get the job done. You can visit the Silver Arch when we're back if you still want them at that point. I'm sure Mr. Gortana will understand.

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
"Punctuality is the politeness of princes, my friend."
Harold continues walking.
"I wasn't proposing to bring them along. Instead, I plan to deposit them with our good friend in the Inn in the meantime."

[EvilRoeSlade]

Flare

Err... our 'friend' hasn't been at the inn since we first saw him? What makes you think he'll be there now? He shakes his head and turns away. Look, we need to get started. Do you think you can catch up to us when you're done?

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
Harold raises his eyebrows.
"Are we in a hurry? Fine, fine. I'll meet you at the gate."

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

The exchange between Flare and Harold was entirely lost on Schorbuk. Some historical baggage the two have regarding something or someone. Likely nothing of importance to the halfling.

"Well, now that that's shaken out, onward to the gate," he declares in his peculiarly low voice. He briskly heads to the exit and steps outside, expecting the others to be ready enough and to be doing the same in short order.

[Deepblue706]

The group, sans Harold, heads for the northern gate immediately.

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If any ya'll wanna shop, etc, just list what you grab OOC

Meanwhile, Harold arrives at the Silver Arch in no time. Entering the hall, he is met by Thomas the ticket-man. "I'll go fetch Mr. Gortana." He says, and scurries off.

After a few moments of waiting, Gortana enters, looking surprised to see his guest. "Back so soon? How can I help you, my good man?"

[The Great Skenardo]

Harold Betruger
Harold smiles and scratches the back of his neck.
"Change of plans, I'm afraid. I won't be able to keep that appointment for tomorrow, as I'm leaving town for a couple of days. I should be back in four day's time."
With a nod, Harold then hustles back to the gate to meet the rest of the group.

[Velvet Elvis]

Schorbuk

While awaiting Harold's imminent arrival, Schorbuk chats with one of the gate guards.

"So, anything interesting to pass along about the road north? Any reports from recent arrivals? Scary tales of ogres or ghosts, warnings about bee swarms or tainted pools, that sort of thing," he asks with an amiable smile. He knew one thing about guards, they were either dour and unhelpful--when not being downright nasty--or eager to talk with just about anyone about nearly anything, just to break the monotony of their often dreadfully dull jobs.

[Deepblue706]

Gortana gives Harold a nod, and wishes him well.

The guard replies to Schorbuk wearily. "Well, a few people have mentioned bandits runnin' 'round, but they don't dare come anywhere near the city. If you folks intend on travelling north, I would suggest ya make camp a bit off from the road. Remote locations, and the like. There might be some animals in the woods'n stuff, but if you've got one-a-them magicians with ya, you could prob'ly ward off the area'n such."

Another guard standing nearby slaps him across his breastplate, with a gauntleted hand. "What are you going on about now? You telling these people to stray from the road? They'll get lost." He looks to Schorbuk. "Don't listen to this fool - just wait a few days for a caravan to come by, and go with them. Might not be heading to the same destination, but for as long as you have them, the numbers scare off any small bands of thieves."