FE: War of Men (Gameplay)

[ThicreanPhoenix]

"Oh. That makes sense." Sicon reacted to hearing Mi'iltha's deduction, "Regardless, it's nice to meet you, Mi'iltha. I'd introduce myself too, but...you already know my name." He chuckled, almost awkwardly, before he heard the Captain's voice call out for...Lithis. That...pegasus knight. He couldn't hear the conversation clearly, but based on Sleidor's tone and the way the pegasus knight flew off afterwards, it was something serious. He turned back to the person he was actually talking to. In an attempt to not look like the guy who just goes silent and backs away awkwardly, Sicon attempted to engage in small talk. "Ehem, so you're...part of the Gastallan brigade, aye? How's Jovia? Or...Jovia's border, more accurately."

[Toogee]

Ahava was a bit disturbed by the revelations of the bandit attack. Poisoning their own men. Warp circles. This was beginning to sound much bigger. With the captain sending soldiers to a castle, it seemed there would be an opportunity to follow a group. Abeloth seemed to be really pushing getting soldiers to join them. The cleric found it odd for someone she had only just met. She decided to tell him something about it.

"You know, you don't have to find me an escort," she said to Abeloth. "There are plenty of mercenary groups passing through in all directions. I'm not in a rush. Besides, with everything going on here, I'm not sure leaving is such a good idea." 

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth turned to Ahava. "I guess it's for the best that we shouldn't try to make our way there. As for mercs, they tend to attract attention, and cause trouble. At any rate, we should see how deep this goes." Abeloth wondered exactly how anyone skilled enough to cast a Warp circle could stomach working with bandits.

[Enaluxeme]

It was way too early for the sunset, but the sun had passed its peack, meaning that Sleidors, together with Sicon and Mi'iltha, reached Castle Lefberg some time after noon.

The captain had asked Abeloth and Ahava to remain in one of the villages near the border outpost for the time being, assuring them they would have been able to continue their travels shortly.

 "Here we are. They'll probably bring us to some room and you'll have to wait outside for a bit. We did well to eat something diring the ride, it looks like we'll need some time."

Once closer to the castle, a soldier approached the three, and things went exactly like Sleidors foresaw.

 "You stay here, I'm going to call you in soon."

Having said that, the captain entered the room, leaving Sicon and Mi'iltha outside.

[Moblin Major General]

Going further in to the previously held up village, the looks weren't that different from the previous village, save the fact that a scant few villagers recognized Abeloth's effort to liberate them. He walked into this tavern, looked around, and saw the eyes and forehead of the elderly barkeep. The barkeep pointed to the menu on the wall to his right, saying nothing. Abeloth drops some gold. "1 pint, a room, and some bangers and chips." He then proceeds to walk over to the corner and sit down in the usual spot. Whether Ahava would follow was of no consequence to him at this point, as he had recently got reacquainted with death. I didn't realize just how close I was to meeting Sotria herself. That could drive a lesser man to strong drink. Not me, I'm just more interested in sleeping. Things are getting really strange, and not in a good way.

Edited August 3, 2017 by Hylian Air Force

[Enaluxeme]

As Sicon and Mi'iltha were waiting, someone approached them. Despite the bow on his back and the quiver at his side, his attire was more akin to that of a tribesman of the plains than that of a soldier, perhaps some kind of mercenary?

The man, whose height was just slightly below average, stopped beside the door, meaning that he was probably going to wait with them.

 

[KingStaragna]

A hungry Rekia walked up to the pair standing around inside Castle Lefburg. Their armor and weapons marked them as soldiers, soldiers who could lead the mercenary to someone who could hire him. Good; he could use the extra coin. He'd been traveling with the bare minimum when it came to funds since the stint in Raedamion. Jovis promised to be simultaneously safer and more profitable. The damn dragon lovers were too stingy, and they didn't know how to keep their animals to themselves.

Rekia sized up his prospective comrades. The lanceman looked like you couldn't count on him to tie his shoes, the poor bastard. The other one was a woman. Uptight, perhaps, but at least it looked like she had her head on straight. Dependable, that's what he needed right now.

"Excuse me, miss?" He asked, extending his hand and flashing a smile. "Can you point me towards the nearest person capable of hiring my bow and me? 'Fraid I'm a bit lost in this whole castle. You can probably tell I'm not used to these parts, yeah?" A lie? Yes, but at this point he couldn't help himself. To be fair, he really didn't know where he could find the commander. At the same time, it never hurt to have people underestimating him.

[Toogee]

Seeing that she was stuck in the village, Ahava decided to seek the merchant stalls before they closed for the day. If they truly were to head out, it was a good idea to top off supplies before doing so. She focused on dry foods that wouldn't spoil during the journey ahead: nuts, jerky, and water. A pack to carry all the items was conveniently in the next stall. With her skill with a staff, Ahava didn't need much in the way of first aid. Still, she could've used a restore staff, especially after that last battle. 

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon waited a few seconds, but nothing happened. No response. So much for small talk...fortunately, a new, strange voice broke the awkward scene apart, asking a "Miss", presumably Mi'iltha, where anyone who could hire him was. Sicon glanced over to see who was speaking. From the sound of it, he was a mercenary...muh. "Captain's in there," Sicon tilted his head towards the castle gates and answered for his less-than-chatty company, "But now might be a bad time. Meeting or something. If you want a job fast, maybe try checking in town. With the recent bandit attack and all, I doubt anyone wants to go anywhere without a veritable escort."

Edited August 7, 2017 by ThicreanPhoenix

[Enaluxeme]

The door opened to let captain Sleidors out.

"This is it. Sicon, come on in. Oh, you too, plainsman."

As the three started to move in the room, the captain stopped Mi'iltha with a sign of his hand.

"Not you, I'm sorry. I proposed both of you for the mission, but it is a delicate issue, and they'd rather not rely on external help."

The three men entered. With the exception of the entrance door, the fireplace and the access to the balcony, all walls were covered in bookshelves and paintings. A writing desk was in the left part of the room, with the back to the fireplace, while i the right there was a simpler circular table and some chairs. Two men were standing in the middle of the room.

"Those are the ones?"

"I know they don't seem like much, but that's a good thing, it will make our travel smoother. Beside, I can guarantee for the palmyran at least as much as the captain did for the soldier."

"Mmh... I trust your judgement. Please, introduce yourselves."

[KingStaragna]

Rekia dropped his hand. "Figures," he muttered. They never could make it easy on him. He turned to the soldier who'd been so forthcoming with the information. "That's alright, I'd rather hang around here. I doubt the peasants in the town can afford me anyway, and I was specifically asked to be here. Any idea how long they'll take?"

Not a second after the words left his mouth, the door opened. The armored man beckoned him and his newfound compatriot in, but barred the woman from entering. A pity, she seemed so interesting. Inside the room the archer was met with a familiar brown beard. Elijah. It wasn't a particularly surprising encounter; one could always count on him to be elbow deep in anything involving Jovis, and apparently this was no exception. Still, he was a decent enough man and it looked like he was Rekia's next meal ticket, as he'd been a time or two in the past when his services were needed in some scheme or other of the former nobleman's.

Business mode, now. He had to sell himself. "I'm Rekia. I can do any job you need me for, and protection's my forte. I'll shoot down any sword that comes near, bandits or no. The bow isn't just for show, and you know what they say about plainsmen."

[ThicreanPhoenix]

The mercenary seemed to be disappointed with what Sicon had to say. Given what he said, it was understandable. If he couldn't get hired, he'd have no money. Wait...if he was specifically asked to be present, then...But just as he was done talking, the door opened. I guess that's how long they'll take.

Sicon followed as he and the mercenary were ushered in(Mi'iltha seemed to be barred from entry...Oh well.), and listened as the two men inside chatted amongst themselves, finally asking them to introduce themselves. Fortunately, he got a moment to think, because the bowman went first. So he's a Palmyrian named Rekia...good to know.

When this Rekia fellow finished, Sicon took his turn. Taking a small step forward, he said, "My name is Sicon. I serve as part of a Jovian border patrol. I am no hero or special recruit, but tell me what to do, and I will not disappoint." He took that small step back to indicate he was finished. He took on several men by himself not hours ago, he could afford to be a little self-confident.

[Enaluxeme]

"I see. You won't be needing that attitude during the mission, soldier."

"In case you don't know, the imposing man is lord Cameron of Lefberg, while the other gentleman is sir Elijah of house Dalkia. He is a diplomat of sorts. You are to escort him to Vinhon. However, no one should know of your involvement with Jovis. You'll pass as a simple merchant and escorts."

"You made it clear you have no intention of refusing the job, so I won't ask you again. All the preparations should be complete by now, we will depart immediately."

"Godspeed to you, friend. May you grant Jovis allies and peace."

Elijah answered with a simple nod before moving towards the door. Sleidors helped him out by opening it.

 

 

Meanwhile, a certain cleric was shopping at the town she was staying at.

"I'm sorry ma'am, I'm afraid I have no restore staves to sell you. However, I can provide you with a better healing staff or a special potion. It can be drunk or directly applied to wounds, and counters the effects of most poisons. Or at least, all those that can be applied to weapons."

The merchant shows a Mend Staff and an Antitoxin.

Edited August 11, 2017 by Enaluxeme

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon chuckled at the dismissal of his confidence, then listened to the further details of the mission. Escorting a diplomat to Vinhon...seemed simple enough. Plus, it wasn't like he had to do all the fighting alone. This Rekia guy was here for backup. Still, being an archer, he probably couldn't do much on the front lines...Sicon touched his leg where his wound had been. Fighting two men in a forest was one thing. If they were ambushed on the road...

When the discussion was done, Sicon turned to follow his escortee, offering a salute to Captain Sleidors on his way out. His worries could wait. He just had to do what was asked of him.

[Toogee]

On 8/11/2017 at 0:55 AM, Enaluxeme said:

a certain cleric was shopping at the town she was staying at.

"I'm sorry ma'am, I'm afraid I have no restore staves to sell you. However, I can provide you with a better healing staff or a special potion. It can be drunk or directly applied to wounds, and counters the effects of most poisons. Or at least, all those that can be applied to weapons."

The merchant shows a Mend Staff and an Antitoxin.

Ahava could only afford one of the items. Though she was concerned about dealing with poisons, the offer of a stronger staff would help with more grievous wounds. Who knew what to expect from the road ahead? Perhaps the merchant...

"The mend staff please," Ahava replied, handing over the amount of gold. "Do you happen to know what the road to Vinhon is like? Any bandit activity?"

[Enaluxeme]

"If I may, sir, a wealthy merchant traveling with such a small group of people may be even more noticeable than one traveling with a large one."

"I'm not sure about that, but what do you propose, then?"

"There's two travelers waiting near the southern outpost. They wish to travel to Vinhon. They won't be a liability, I know that much."

"Very well then, we will enter Vinhon from the south."

After the exchange, Elijah left the room to get just outside the stable, where a wagon was waiting for him. The wagon had some room for sitting and storing items.

"You can hop in if you want to, but we have a long way to go and it's best not to strain the mule too much. If we really are to travel with more people, not everyone will be able to stay in the wagon."

 

The shopkeeper handed the staff to Ahava and replied.

"I haven't heard of particular bandit activity in Vinhon. In fact, it's a relatively safe place as far as I know. But now that you mention it, I heard that even since the tensions with Stedgard started the number of patrols and guards and general law enforcement in Vinhon got lower. Maybe they are preparing for the start of a war, or maybe they just want to avoid unnecessary attentions. Either way, this seems like a golden opportunity for the few bandid groups there, so be careful if you want to travel to Vinhon."

[Toogee]

"Thank you," Ahava replied as she took her new mend staff and headed on her way. Even down south, there were concerns for the brewing conflict. There would be no safe haven for anyone. It was more important than ever to provide healing magic to those in need.

She headed for the tavern, figuring Abeloth would likely be at a popular drinking spot. Sure enough, He was tucked away in a corner, supposedly alone. Ahava sat at his table to deliver the shopkeeper's rumors.

"Apparently, Vinhon is pulling their patrols, particularly the ones between here and there. I fear the journey ahead won't be any easier."

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon remained silent during the discussion at the wagon. He was planning to walk anyway. He wasn't even aware there was a cart and mule until just now!

Travelers...that meant more people to throw off the scent of Jovis. But that also meant more people to protect if things got dangerous. The odds said that simple travelers wouldn't have much in the way of arms. They usually didn't, as far as Sicon knew. But still, he hoped that whoever came along could use a blade or...something, because...no matter what he was told to do, Sicon wasn't perfect. A single mage could probably swat him down as easily as a fly. And even with the archer...

Ugh, why couldn't he stop worrying?!...Because something just felt...off. There was this odd sense of dread...like a fight was coming. Like something bad was going to happen; something he would be powerless to stop. And if there was one thing Sicon did not want to do, it was let anyone down.

[Moblin Major General]

Abeloth looked at his big spender of a companion. "Well, that's a lot of stuff. Granted, neither of us will probably see much in the way of taverns in Vinhon, for a multitude of reasons." A barmaid came around with more tankards. When she stopped at Abeloth's table, he put his hand out with his palm facing up. "You might as well. I wouldn't drink from this village's well if I came from the desert with naught but my bare arse." The server took the empty tankard and left 2 more in it's place.

[Enaluxeme]

The sun was gone by mere minutes when the wagon arrived at the inn of a certain village near the border.

"Rekia, would you mind taking care of the horse? I'll see that each of us gets a place to stay. As for you... Sicon, was it? Take this box and come with me."

The box was the only shipment of the wagon. It was about 3 cubic feet of space and weighted a fair bit. There was noting standing out about the box itself, but anywone would be wondering about the content.

Elijah entered the inn and asked for dinner and three rooms, and the innkeeper pointed a table to the merchant and the soldier.

"So, these travelers that are supposed to accompany us... Who are they?"

Edited August 16, 2017 by Enaluxeme

[Moblin Major General]

As Abeloth was drinking out of his mug, he saw the soldier Ahava had been attending to earlier, sitting down with what looked to be a rather sizable crate and a minor noble. He pointed to where they were sitting. "This should be good. Looks like your soldier friend brought some old money with him. I think we should talk to them. Who knows, maybe he's here for us." Abeloth got up from the table slowly, taking care not to hit his head on the support beams.

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon continued to follow Elijah, taking the box as he was instructed. "Hrmf," he grunted as it fell into his hands. It's...heavier than expected. What's in this thing? However, the thought soon left his mind when his escortee asked him who the travelers were, a question to which his only response was "I dunno." Looking around, he saw a person who looked familiar, "Uhh...I think I recognize that woman in the light purple. The one sitting with the big burly guy." With his hands full, he could only gesture by tilting his head towards the table where a lilac-wearing woman and a giant of a man were sitting. As he spoke, he saw the man ascend from his seat. Dear Sotria, he's huge! If these guys are our traveling partners, then...he looks like he could handle a scuffle.

[KingStaragna]

Rekia took the reins of the horse and led him into the inn's stable. He'd stayed silent during the whole affair. He was, after all, being paid for protection, not to ask questions. As he paid the stablemaster, he thought back to his last stay in Vinhon. It wasn't an unpleasant memory, given that it was highlighted with copious amounts of wine, women and song. He knew Elijah well enough, however, that this wouldn't be a trip for pleasure's sake. This was a move for Jovis, no two ways about it. Nonetheless, he was being paid well and cared for. He couldn't care less what the true motives of his employer were.

[Enaluxeme]

"Then I guess those are the ones."
Abeloth got closer.
"Do you need something, sir?"

[ThicreanPhoenix]

Sicon stood in silence as the brute of a man and the diplomat stood face-to-face in awkward silence. Finally, he broke it, first by coughing, then speaking.

"We're just asking because, uh, he's headed off to Vinhon soon. Important business opportunity, I dunno. And we could use some hands on the road, for...insurance." Was it direct? Yes. But it was better than being an observer to a staredown. "We figured we'd ask anyone we saw, in case they wanted to head that way." It wasn't the greatest story ever, but it was all he could come up with.