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[3man75]

Just saying i don't really care but it should be put on the table i feel. Especially the "you and me" part.

Yes, but then he retorted with "I do not wish to bleed a boy." If we get Verack to duel it'll seem like we're doing it because it's the only way for us to get our own satisfaction, as he would just decline a duel with us whenever we personally challenged him. Not our fault he won't duel us mano-a-mano.

As for our uncle, he doesn't even live in town. It wouldn't be easy for him to capitalize on events in the city.

True it wouldn't be easy, but assuming what we've heard about him from Penrod and Father is true then he'll probably find a way. We ought to be careful, at least until after we visit him.

EDIT: When presenting Vareck to Gerand as his duelling opponent, say something along the lines of "You don't want to bleed a boy? Here, have a veteran mercenary badass (with a bitching claymore) instead!" just to make it clear that we're not making Vareck fight out of cowardice.

If he asks why it's our merc and not us than just say "You didn't want to bleed a boy, so i made accommodations. I promise that after MY satisfaction we'll speak about Barrick one day."

Or if were not doing the trial route

"You didn't want to bleed a boy so i decided to make a substitution. Don't tell me your being bipolar this fine morning?"

Also if the duel is called off than it's called off. Just go about other duties and stash Barrick somewhere Gerand can't get to him.

[Andres]

I really like the first sentence of your first suggestion. The rest needs work. Something like, "You didn't want to bleed a boy, so I made accommodations. Gerand, meet Verack; Captain of the fearsome (or some other adjective) Silver Moon Mercenary Company. He will be my champion."
Also, I'm pretty sure that bipolarity affects emotion rather than opinion and I don't think bipolarity as an idea has been conceived in this magical, medieval world.

[3man75]

"You didn't want to bleed a boy, so I made accommodations. Gerand, meet Verack; Captain of the Silver Moon Mercenary Company. He will be my champion."

Gerand: "Your a coward!"

"Would you like to bleed me then? If you would, than how could you claim justice against anyone child killer Gerand?"

Child killing is VERY looked down on in the medieval worlds and i think this would be perfect if he tries to get us to fight him. DO NOT USE UNLESS absolutely necessary though because this will aggravate him...again.

Father above (and mother) still on the edge of my seat for FIRST BLOOD!  ((no i won't stop saying it that way.))

EDIT: guys i think i know why our will has been sapped..it was possibly a ghost. When William our brother did what he did he accidentally released some kind of ghost that sucks away at peoples will. Go to Page 16 and check it out when you have time. It's when we're talking to our father the king. I had thought it was the Concubine who did this but it's probably this ghost. This is something we need to tell our father IMMEDIATELY. Remember we have to keep this incident under wraps so ONLY via verbally can we tell our father in absolute privacy. Amazing what you can uncover from mlam's stories and intricacies when you re-read things.

Thoughts?

[3man75]

Gm will the update be? We've decided verrack will duel Gerand in First blood. Are you waiting for more votes?

[Mlamlah]

Nope, just been really busy, i'll try to update tonight, or in the morning.

[Andres]

"Would you like to bleed fight me then? If you would, than how could you claim justice against anyone child killer Gerand?"

Say 'fight' instead of 'bleed'. When we first use the sentence it's a reference to the... "poetic" way he said he'll draw blood. It would look kinda lame if we started using it as a more technical term. Also, instead of "If you would, than how could you claim justice against anyone child killer Gerand?", we say something like "Because that's the only other way you're getting at Barrick." The first suggesion is still pretty good though but it implies that he'll actually try and kill us in the duel when it's only a blood duel, and that'll leave us open to a WITTY RETORT about how even we think that he's so much stronger than us he'll kill us without even trying to.

Father above (and mother) still on the edge of my seat for FIRST BLOOD!  ((no i won't stop saying it that way.))

Nah, leave em out of it. Why worry Mother? Also, why would Father want to watch some merc fight some random foreign knight? And if he were watching us fight he would admonish us for foolishly fighting such a skilled warrior in a blood duel (if we lose - high likelihood) and would maybe give us praise if we won, or he might point out that we basically said "Hey daddy! Look at me! Look at me! I'm fighting a big, strong knight!" Win or lose he might think we brought him there to make sure Gerand didn't kill us and that would make us look like a coward.

EDIT: guys i think i know why our will has been sapped..it was possibly a ghost. When William our brother did what he did he accidentally released some kind of ghost that sucks away at peoples will. Go to Page 16 and check it out when you have time. It's when we're talking to our father the king. I had thought it was the Concubine who did this but it's probably this ghost. This is something we need to tell our father IMMEDIATELY. Remember we have to keep this incident under wraps so ONLY via verbally can we tell our father in absolute privacy. Amazing what you can uncover from mlam's stories and intricacies when you re-read things.

Thoughts?

+1. Make sure the concubine won't listen in. If Father isn't bothered to shoo her away tell him that the oath we swore to not say anything to anyone would be broken if we spoke of our problem to the king in front of anyone else.

We've decided verrack will duel Gerand in First blood.

Correction: we've decided Verack will blood duel Gerand if and only if Penrod and Ritalia fail to talk him out of it.

[3man75]

Father above and mother above are references to the analysian God's.

It's like saying "God almighty I'm on the edge of my seat!" Except, as stated, it's our gods being talked about.

Idk nerd pride I guess you could call it...Or dorkiness that could also be a thing.

I wonder if the ebon mages or warren mages can ghost buster this will sapping ghost?

Either way, bout time to look into staying in a local keep eh guys?

[Andres]

Oh wow I can't believe I didn't get that.

We could visit Sir Raymond on the way there and/or we can visit the Countryhouse if we convince father to give it to us.

[3man75]

I don't think we can visit Raymond on account stopping the whole escort for just US to say his is kinda...not respectful to the newly weds? Partly why we're doing what we are is to make the marriage last and not crack at the beginning.

Also do you think it would look cowardly to our dad that we're running away from some ghost? If anything we should tell him to get the Warrin orders ghost buster squad in gear.

Maybe we can trap the ghost in an artifact?

[Andres]

My suggestion of visiting Sir Raymond was in response to your suggestion of staying in a local keep. You know, go there on the way to rest, refresh, resupply and all that and Raymond would probably let us chill there for a bit. I take it that's not what you meant though.

Also do you think it would look cowardly to our dad that we're running away from some ghost?

This ghost murdered several palace guards and left your brother mildly catatonic. Now you're suffering will-sapping, dementoresque nightmares the moment you get home. Telling your father about this wouldn't be cowardly so much as properly paranoid. If it's also the way that we stop these nightmares then I say we go for it.

Maybe we can trap the ghost in an artifact?

That sound's like a very dangerous Checkhov's Gun that will inevitably bite us in the ass. Best to straight up kill it and only capture it if we can't.

[3man75]

How do you even "Kill" a ghost?

EDIT: I had to look up Checkhov's gun because of you Andres. +2 for education lol.

[Mlamlah]

Raynor Casar, Royal Prince of Analysse, popular claimant on the future crown.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

13 Years old

Personality:
Strong leadership traits.
A passion for knowledge and education.
A deep love of family, particularly towards sisters.
Is bold when faced with an opportunity to prove himself, but tends towards caution much more of the time.
Has shown a desire to rule.
Quiet and assured confidence.

Health and Physical Abilities
Mediocre fitness.
Youthful agility.

Social Skills
A strong understanding of etiquette and social grace.
Tends to inspire loyalty in others.
A bright and well honed mind.
Solid political skill.
Solid business Savvy.
Mediocre grasp of Adalbert language.
Poor Grasp of Keshlan language.

Practical Skills
Mediocre Magicianry
Mediocre swordsmanship.
Amateur Shield-work.
Sword and shield technique: Amateur.
Amateur riding.
Novice armoured combat.
Amateur Strategist.
Amateur Sleight of Hand.

Vassals and Servants
Sir Bepher, Knight of the Sail: Respectful
Barick the Bodygaurd: Protective.
Local Business partners: Respectful
Elwer, your squire: Eager to serve.
Captain Verack: Polite, but otherwise indifferent.
Ishvakala the Hedge Mage:Amused and Grateful.
Serles, "Royal Protector", personal toady: Deeply Grateful, Loyal
Sir Walter, Knight of the Crown: Dutiful
Adrickar, Palace Warden, former warmage: Dutiful

Allies
Various palace servants and Attendants: Deep Love and Loyalty
Palace Pages and Squires: Healthy and lasting respect, newly restored loyalty.
Isvan the Apprentice Warmage: Eagerness to please, loyalty.
Ritalia: Loving and Protective, deeply loyal.
Business Contacts: Polite.
Courtiers and Politicians of the King's Court: Slightly awed.
William, your elder brother: Erratic, but loyal
Sir Evanson: Patronizing, but loyal.
Sir Raymond the country Knight: Grateful
Analysse City Street Toughs: Begrudgingly Helpful

Magic
Apprentice-level Scrymaster, experienced at surpassing magical resistance. May only scry with one sense at a time. May set up poor quality scrying wards to hinder intrusion or alert you upon it. Capable of impressive power in forcing your way past screening wards, and of great subtlety in avoiding detection wards.
Novice Level War-Warder. You have some shaky skill in warding objects and people from specific kinds of harm which must be stated in the spell. None of your spells have yet lasted much more than an hour, and are easy to dispel.
Novice Level Force magic. You may use crude energy with basic competence. Currently this allows you to bludgeon and move things forcefully and indelicately, with strength just barely above your own physical strength.

-Spell Tricks known:
Artificial Wind. Can create breezes over an extended period, or a single momentary gust capable of sending light objects flying and unbalancing individual people.
Symbol reproduction. Can instantly reproduce the contents of one page on something else, the symbol(s) must be made with ink or a similiar substance to work, and must be performed on a flat surface.
Palm Light: You are capable of creating a shining light in your palm that is about as bright as a torch, you may also attach light to your fingertips as bright as a candle, the light has heat, but not much.
Missile Launching: This cantrip allows one to launch an arrow, bolt or similiarily sized missile at an opponent with the strength of a crossbow bolt. Could theoretically be used to launch less conventional missiles in a pinch.
Repel object: May be used to turn away missiles, blades and blunt objects, though not reliably.

Assets
Various travelling clothes of high quality, including cloaks and riding boots.
Riding horse fitted with barding, (quilted over top studded leather).
A modest collection of historical books.
A small collection of varied books on magic, including basic theory, scrying, warding of various sorts and warmagic.
High quality gold emerald-embedded brooch. A gift from your mother.
Cart with draft horses
Boots of sticking. Boots capable of fusing on any surface on the command word. Generally used for pranks.

Wealth:
Opulent palace quarters.
Personal servants.
Varied high quality clothing and jewelry.
Trade goods.
Various stall based portside businesses.
Modest Middle Man business.
Some partnerships with estalished small businesses.
A handful of small smithys, and attached metalworking businesses.
Generous Royal Allowance.
A tidy sum of money, more than enough to build and man a decently sized ship, with a little left over.
A few choice pieces of gifted Jewellery.
Ornate Plate Armor
Masterfully crafted Ornamental Longsword

War Assets:
Masterfully crafted Dagger.
High quality short sword.
High quality leather breastplate.
High Quality Scale Mail armor.
A crate of flashstones, capable of producing a blinding light when struck against a hard surface.
A ring shield, capable of producing a small shield of force energy on the command word. Limited life.
A stave of magical protection. Absorbs overtly hostile magic directed at the holder before shattering.

Bodyguard Equipment: Leather Jerkin over sturdy woodmans clothing, a high quality longsword, a warhammer, a hidden dagger, a short sword, a hatchet, a leather shield. A riding horse with custom saddle. Ornate plate armor. High quality Banded armor.

Squire Equipment: High quality shortsword, quilted armor and travelling clothes. Riding Horse. Fine clothing.

The Silver Moon Mercenary Company
Based in a converted Warehouse in the docks district.
Headed by Verack, a northman warrior who has skill with a claymore.
Senior Members:
8 Axemen (throwing and Melee), 2 archers, 3 Halberdiers, 1 Fire Mage. All dressed in Ringmail/plate composite, with weapons of decent quality.
Regulars:
1 elite archer, 1 archer, 1 halberdier 1 axeman. (dressed in Ringmail, weapons of mediocre quality.)
Recruits:
13 Able Bodied Trainees, 2 fire mage apprentices. Substandard training equipment. (Dulled metal weapons and used hunting bows, armor of wood and cloth padding)

When you are gently awoken you find that your sleep was untroubled and dreamless, though you are stolen from it too early for your comfort. Your bodygaurds too, are armed and ready once you are dressed and fed, though Verack is a few minutes later than you would have liked. He's dressed in his own set of armor, with breastplate, gauntlets, greaves, pauldrons and gorget, overtop ringmail. In it's scabbard is Verack's two handed blade, at his side a long dirk rests, and strapped to Verack's forearm is a light buckler. Upon his arrival you explain to the northman that he may not actually be expected to fight, and that if he is it may simply be a battle to first blood.

...

When it comes time Sir Gerand comes to find you, and with him comes Penrod. The Knight looks tired and strained, and Penrod seems little better. Penrod speaks for the Adalbertian warrior, and as he does the Knight seems almost defeated. "My vassal has agreed that for now this matter will lie, and formally retracts his challenge, he offers his apologies for the insult. Though he would like to settle this matter in the future, there are pending domestic affairs that require his attention much more for now, and he is going to return to Koringberg to see to them."
Sir Gerand bows stiffly in your direction, and assures his Prince that he will see to it the road is safe for his return, before swiftly taking his leave. Upon his departure Penrod seems to lose a little of the tension in his back before turning to you, and explaining that this likely isn't the end of the issue, but that it should be safe to leave as is for a year or two. Your conversation is brief, as Penrod cuts it short, explaining there is much that needs tending to.

You receive word from the servants that a trio of Adalbertian Knights and their squires have left the city on the road back to Koringberg, Sir Gerand among them, and you suppose that all things considered that's the best one could hope for. 

...

It's a very busy day for you, a flurry of activity before the trip out of the city nearly upon you. Your friend Isvan, with the aid of Lysa, has successfully managed to enchant the spear given to him by his teacher, meaning he will be able to come with you on your trip to the border. In return you instruct the Book-Keepers at the Palace library to allow Lysa access while you are gone. Also coming with you will be Sekhon's Daughter Vukhara, Knight Commander Geralds daughter Malehsa, the Mage Arialla, and a few of your more capable courtier allies. Two of your brothers are also coming along, Both William and Eric.

You meet with a few members of the Keshlan guild who are keen on acquiring Adalbertian mercenaries and allies. Two of them have already agreed to travel to Koringberg to seek capable the capable warmages and men at arms there, and others have put funds into their hands to better take advantage of whatever opportunities are available. They explain to you they will be bringing their own guards, as well as a capable military man to properly examine what there is to be had. When you suggest the Red Harriers as a potential mercanary group worthy of consideration you learn that they've already been hired by Sekhon himself, who is paying them well to help train refugee conscripts in ship to ship combat. 

Remembering the last time you left your businesses in the hands of others you begin to consider ways that you could ensure the safety of your assets while still allowing them time to grow. You have a few accountants in your employ you could probably trust with simple directions, but their skill in business is limited and they may not be able to sniff out opportunities as others might be able to. You suppose you could put your assets in the hands of Sekhon, who's skilled, but you arn't sure how much you trust him. Your mother is active in helping administer matters in the Kingdom where your father is otherwise lax, though perhaps you could trust her to find someone to help manage your affairs.
In the mean-time you have some of the many less valuable trinkets in your possession sold, leaving only the choice examples in your possession. They may be gifts, but most lack any recognisable adornment, and it would be much better to have a little more disposable income. Unfortunatly, this being a city already flooded with a surplus of meaningless trinkets you do not make quite as much money from them as you like, and you are sure that many of the pieces you've sold are likely to be melted down before the night is over. Still, you made a respectable amount of money from the endeavour, even if the deals were not as good as you would like.

With Verack you discuss the possibility of leaving his recruits behind with Barick. He explains that he'd like to bring them along, both as labor and to get them used to being on the march, but if that's what you wish he's willing to leave the decision to you.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Robilard does indeed have children three sons and a daughter, though he tends to keep them within his own holdings, his oldest has been tutored by some of the most talented diplomats and scholars in the country, though he's rarely visited the royal court. Also, you guys have brought up the possibility of meeting up with many people on the way, so far the only one's on the way to Koringberg who arn't way out of the way are Duke Robilard and Sir Raymond, and travelling to Sir Raymond's estate requires marching through some poorly kept roads. The current route plotted is the most direct way to Koringberg, which is much better kept and faster than the route you took before. On the way back however, it is likely you will be able to go whatever direction you like.

[Andres]

Let mother manage our assets with some help. Make sure Sekhon isn't the 'help'.

Bring the recruits along for training.

Stop at Sir Raymond's on the way. We might be able to get even more worthless trinkets from his subjects (unlikely due to poverty but still), and since the trip'll be longer we have more time to socialise with the other party members.

Stop at Uncle Robilard's on the way. Because what's the worst that could happen? His request to visit did seem a tad bit urgent. Better be sure to do this on the return trip though. Robbo and Penrod hate each other.

At some point on the journey, practice scrying to get to the next skill level. This is based on the idea that we're close to achieving it (I don't know where the update that said this). Practice it away from the camp and be sure to not scry on the camp itself. We have a bunch of mages with us and we don't want them noticing they're being spied on.

Have Barrick stay behind. We need someone to keep an eye on our mother. She'll be handling our finances which paints a target on her for assassination. He's also been with us for a while so if Mother's about to do something we wouldn't like Barrick has small chance of stopping it. Also, have Barrick do this:

However, we could probably offer some old-timers (or middle-aged, whatever) from the guards who are pretty low-ranked.

Find a new sparring trainer. Not just sparring partners - we have plenty potential on those. We need someone to tell us what to do, what we're doing wrong, how to do things better, etc. Best not trouble Verack with this since his Analyssian is too poor to communicate this stuff to us and he'll be training the recruits. Maybe Sir Walter since he'd have to be pretty good to be a Crown Knight. Not Eric, he's new at being a Crown Knight and training us would mean that he might want some space from us afterwards, so we can't more actively get him on our good side by socialising. Speaking of which...

Get Eric on our good side. We talk and do stuff with him like we do with everyone else but if that's not enough we up the ante and focus on him more.

EDIT: If Eric offers to be our trainer just accept if we haven't found one by the time he asks us.

Ascertain personalities of betrothal options.

Thank Penrod for sorting out the Gerand Problem.

Ask Verack about retainership. Ask specifically what he wants. What new facilities? What new equipment? Mention the new name and the other retainer upgrades:

Retainer Upgrades

• Rename 'Silver Moon Mercenary Company' to 'Royal Silver Moon Company'
• A crest. A silver crescent moon in the centre. RSMC printed in silver above the moon; print must be smaller than the moon, but large enough to be easily read. Background: darkish grey.
• Order tabards made with logo adorning front and back. Distribute to full members. Full moon instead of crescent moon for the captain. Recruits just get a darkish grey tabard.
• Order large tapestry with the logo made to adorn training area.

[3man75]

Okaay then.

Reserved but at this moment  We really should talk to our mother about being our temp financial manager, with barrick as her bodyguard for now.

I don't think however we should give sekhoms guildies a handling position with our buisness. It could also provide an opening for sekhom.

Edit:

Let mother manage our assets with some help. Make sure Sekhon isn't the 'help'.

Bring the recruits along for training.

Stop at Sir Raymond's on the way. We might be able to get even more worthless trinkets from his subjects (unlikely due to poverty but still), and since the trip'll be longer we have more time to socialise with the other party members.

Stop at Uncle Robilard's on the way. Because what's the worst that could happen? His request to visit did seem a tad bit urgent. Better be sure to do this on the return trip though. Robbo and Penrod hate each other.

At some point on the journey, practice scrying to get to the next skill level. This is based on the idea that we're close to achieving it (I don't know where the update that said this). Practice it away from the camp and be sure to not scry on the camp itself. We have a bunch of mages with us and we don't want them noticing they're being spied on.

Have Barrick stay behind. We need someone to keep an eye on our mother. She'll be handling our finances which paints a target on her for assassination. He's also been with us for a while so if Mother's about to do something we wouldn't like Barrick has small chance of stopping it. Also, have Barrick do this:

However, we could probably offer some old-timers (or middle-aged, whatever) from the guards who are pretty low-ranked.

Find a new sparring trainer. Not just sparring partners - we have plenty potential on those. We need someone to tell us what to do, what we're doing wrong, how to do things better, etc. Best not trouble Verack with this since his Analyssian is too poor to communicate this stuff to us and he'll be training the recruits. Maybe Sir Walter since he'd have to be pretty good to be a Crown Knight. Not Eric, he's new at being a Crown Knight and training us would mean that he might want some space from us afterwards, so we can't more actively get him on our good side by socialising. Speaking of which...

Get Eric on our good side. We talk and do stuff with him like we do with everyone else but if that's not enough we up the ante and focus on him more.

EDIT: If Eric offers to be our trainer just accept if we haven't found one by the time he asks us.

Ascertain personalities of betrothal options.

Thank Penrod for sorting out the Gerand Problem.

Ask Verack about retainership. Ask specifically what he wants. What new facilities? What new equipment? Mention the new name and the other retainer upgrades:

Retainer Upgrades

• Rename 'Silver Moon Mercenary Company' to 'Royal Silver Moon Company'
• A crest. A silver crescent moon in the centre. RSMC printed in silver above the moon; print must be smaller than the moon, but large enough to be easily read. Background: darkish grey.
• Order tabards made with logo adorning front and back. Distribute to full members. Full moon instead of crescent moon for the captain. Recruits just get a darkish grey tabard.
• Order large tapestry with the logo made to adorn training area.

We should also tell mother about Sekhom and explain to her that we'd rather not let someone else take command of our assets for it could make us vulnerable in case of a falling out.

One last thing...no to Going to stopping by robilards or raymonds place. One is sure it would piss off Penrod and the other has terrible roads. Let's go to them in own time.

EDIT: Also Andres won't we be gone for like moths? I think he'll have time to do both with ease.

[Andres]

...with barrick as her bodyguard for now.

After he recruits the old guys. Since they're already experienced he can skip the training, give 'em an orientation course, and then chill with Mother.