Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[micelus]

"Only those who had needed to know...Which is you...And the queen...Don't worry, she didn't seem angered at you in the least."

After a few moments, Retcyl felt bad about not telling Thunderblade so he said:

"I didn't want to get you stressed about the queen...But I see that your not in the best mood...How about we just say that you learned about these problems before I found out myself and that you cured the plague and got rid of the bandit problem? "

[Dwarmin]

¤At the party¤

Kathos smiled at the lady as he approached.

"Lady Tala, I am delighted to finally meet you. I am Kathos Thunderblade - and I wanted to congratulate you. This party is truly magnificient."

He did'nt say anything else. First, the lord wanted to see if she knew who he was.

'Tala' remembered the file. A noble with high marks in most categories-a natural leader, and a gifted swordsman. He was the current favorite among the Dragon Empires Spymasters to hypothetically obtain the throne, in case the Queen was removed from power.

She engaged him with a warm smile as he approached.

"Likewise. Your words do me and my clan justice.

Then again, I could hardly expect less courtesy from the heir of the Thunderblade family himself-especially if most of things I've heard about you are true.

It is truly, an honor to make your acquaintance."

She shifted her weight and placed a hand on her left hip, motioning with her other hand to the room itself. At least the effect of the dress was not totally lost on him.

"So, can we expect you to enter a bid? I have many fine pieces on display.

Of course, you are free to enjoy the company, food and drink as you will. Do be careful of the Galam Honey Ale-It's rumored that a man of lesser constitution can hardly drain a single draught before drifting to the Land of Golden Dreams."

She laughed pleasantly enough-leaving that subtle challenge to any mans honor to happened to be listening-sipping from her own glass neatly (ah, nothing but sparkling water for the spymistress, alas) She then wondered what Kathos wanted from her, beyond a proper ego stroking, of course.

[Ardas]

A mere ducat per season is all I require for my employ. My soldiers will be happy to take the standard soldier's pay, seeing how this will be a long-term assigment for the Crown. I will leave now my Queen and attend the gathering in the Palace Gardens, with your permission of course. I would like to know what people surround your Majesty in the court.

With that, Nikephoros headed to the little party, to see the people in court and gather some information. He was not a spy, he never had the knack for that, but some secrets were worth more than a battle won, and he could not operate blindly in a hostile court.

Head for the party.

[filiusenox]

William stepped pass the guards without a backward glance, waiting and silently hoping for one of them to lay a finger on him and pull him back. A small part of him- the part he kept under wraps but had a tendency to listen to- hoped his gold threaded and red silk lower face mask and hooded cloak that hid most of his identity would make someone stop him, but no one did.
 Instead he stepped into the glimmering park. He heard his Herald’s sharp intake of breath and subsequent sigh. The area slightly impressed William. The Herald quickly recovered and handed the invitation to the guard that began to follow William.
The guard shrugged at the little herald, but never took his eyes off of William.
When his herald was done fast-talking to prevent needless bloodshed, they continued on their way to were the paintings were set up.
William grabbed a glass of something, it was orangey and smelled faintly of honey, from a nearby waiter and stood smirking at the painting called ‘Nude With Blindfold’ . He slid his mask down and drained the glass in a single motion, handing it back to the moderately stunned waiter without taking his eyes from the painting. He slid his mask back up,
"Perhaps something less watered down, Eh?" as the waiter walked away.
"Your not here to drink, sir."
"Why am I then, Harold."
"You wanted to come."
"I regret it. It's so cliched here."

William looks bored, ethier waiting for a conversation or something interesting, besides the nice paintings.

[Shootandrun]

¤At the party¤

Kathos smiled at the lady. Tala knew who he was. That meant she was well informed - that meant she was smart. It was a good beginning.

"While most of these paintings are quite stunning, I will not enter the auction. I have a few things to do in my parcels - the previous lord didn't leave wealthy lands behind him, sadly, and building a strong economy will cost me a lot of money. Maybe another time, milady."

Now, she knew he wasn't here to buy anything. He decided he was not going to try the ale - getting drunk was a bad idea in a party where the queen was present.

"I will let you return to your guests, milady. Once again, I was delighted to meet with you."

There were other things he would have liked to talk about, but there was too many people around - too many people who were doubtlessly listening. For now, he was also going to listen.

¤Hatcuri camp¤

The fool. Well, that was done now, and Kathos had promised he was not going to murder him.

"No, Retcyl. When we will report to the queen, we will tell her what happened - exactly what happened. I will not hide behind lies.

He sighed, and looked around.

"I don't think the bandits will accept to negociate with you while my soldiers are inside the camp. My regiment will stay behind, hidden, while you deal with them. If things start going the wrong way, we'll help you. Any problem with that plan?"

[kytuzian]

"Friendly bunch, eh?" Oli'c said to himself. Their reception at Shola has been nearly as bad as when the Suulians met them. People hurried past them, shielding their eyes with their cloaks or hands. The guards watched them suspiciously, and barred their way whenever possible to prevent them from "disturbing the peace". In the end, Oli'c and his band were left on the streets, and even that was a stretch.

"Oli'c? I think we should leave this city, and go camp out on the countryside. We could send a few people into the city, to limit suspicion," said Ji'sen.

"For that too work they'll need a reason to go into town, and the best options are to play oppressed farmers from another city-state," said Oli'c. He chuckled quietly. "Seeing as that's exactly what they are, they should be quite good at it."

Send in ten people, one at a time throughout the next week. Inform them they are to ask around minimally, and attempt to obtain jobs.

[micelus]

"Yes, my lord that shall do..."

Retcyl didn't understand why a noble would not accept a chance to gain trust with the queen, but if he didn't want well he couldn't force it on him.


Send messangers and scouts to look for the bandits with a white flag of peace. If found, say that they will be pardoned of all crimes and be given food and income if they stop their banditry and come and serve Ambassador Retcyl. If not, they'll be captured and be given to the queen's mercy.  Should they agree to work for me, slit their throats them in their sleep.

[Elfeater]

Offer my services to the Archbishop
Max Yeskly smiles as he walks away from the meeting.
This will make a pretty penny. He thinks as he oggles a preety
nun(?).This will be an easy job, and well paying.

[CyberGenesis]

Send in ten people, one at a time throughout the next week. Inform them they are to ask around minimally, and attempt to obtain jobs.

[3] Your plan to send people in sporadically doesnt work as well as you had hoped. Having already made one attempt to enter the city, the Watch notices the pattern. [2] After the first few enter, the guard starts welcoming your men as what they are - your men apparently aren't smart enough to deny it, so instead say nothing. [6] They do however catch the notice of the personal guard of Lord Cain. He sends an apparent scribe to meet with one of your men, who is given a letter, after which the scribe leaves.

Spoiler: Letter (click to show/hide)

While admirable, your attempts to be stealthy have not worked nearly as well as you had presumably hoped. Your men just simply are not trained for that sort of work.

I may, however, have some work for you and your men. There is lodging at the tavern in the Northeast corner of town. When your men have settled in for the night, meet me at my estate. We'll discuss terms and offers.

Lord Cain
[Stamped Sigil]

Meet with Retcyl and his force, bring the personnal guard. Send a messenger to look for someone in Shola who could cure the disease.

[4] Your messenger arrives in Shola and [6] in time to see a large group outside of town. The messenger skirts around the group and enters town. [4] Making speed a priority the messenger asks around for anyone considered to be a good herbalist or could cure a widespread cropblight. [3] Several people reccomend the same person, named Elana, who happens to be out of town for a day or two. The messenger is content to wait and gets a room at a small Inn. [6] The next week is spent waiting for this 'Elana' to return and shortly before the messenger gives up hope, they are pointed to the shop door of the Herbalist, which is no longer closed and locked up. Apparently the herbalist requires access to the fields that are affected to determine the kind of blight since the messenger didn't bring any samples.

Offer my services to the Archbishop

The Archbishop needs some soldiers to head to the docks[3/5] and 'escort' several religious figures and diplomatic delegates from neighboring cities and empires to the east. Your men won't be alone in this endeavor, but from the sound of his voice he is expecting trouble.

[Elfeater]

Take the job
Max smile. His luck was getting better and better.
He would have enough men and money to rival his father one day
That day was soon.

[kytuzian]

I supposed we forgot the stealth training...or at least the not blundering around in a town giving away far too much information, thought Oli'c angrily. Maybe next time.

Their soldier that had attempted to walk in were detected, but by their failure, Oli'c S'dfa and his band of druids and mercenary men had obtained work. Or so he hoped. It could all be an elaborate plan to kill them.

"Ji'sen, Ar'gr, and U'def, come with me. We have some work to do, or rather to find. Bring a sword and hide a dagger in your boots, and then wear a leather vest under your druidic garments. Do not dare bring any of our religious symbols," said Oli'c. "If asked, we are simply people trying to do good, for no cause in particular. I trust you will do better than the men we previously sent in. Apparently the lord of the men of Shola have work for us, and we need to me in a tavern in the northeastern corner of the town."

Take three druids and arm them with a sword, a dagger, and a leather vest. Instruct them to say they are people trying to help wherever needed. Go to the northeastern tavern.

[NUKE9.13]

Offer my services to the Archbishop
Max Yeskly smiles as he walks away from the meeting.
This will make a pretty penny. He thinks as he oggles a preety
nun(?).This will be an easy job, and well paying.

"What a strange man. Never said a word. Perhaps he has taken a vow of silence?"

[Elfeater]

Offer my services to the Archbishop
Max Yeskly smiles as he walks away from the meeting.
This will make a pretty penny. He thinks as he oggles a preety
nun(?).This will be an easy job, and well paying.

"What a strange man. Never said a word. Perhaps he has taken a vow of silence?"

(sorry) "Archbisop I accept the offer and expect a long fruitful relation ship."

[HailFire]

Bandit Camp- forest somewhere north of Mileth

"Rise and shine, ya lazy bastards, we've got work to do!"

Shortly after daybreak, a small group of men, with a green-haired woman at their head, carry out the time-honored tradition of rousing the camp by thwacking tents and sleeping bags with sticks and shouting.

"Up and moving, you lot! No rest for the wicked!"

Satisfied at the low groan of would-be late-risers and the hung-over as they stumble out of their tents and into the morning fog, and the sighs of relief as the last shift of the night watch retires to their own tents, the green haired woman, wearing the red headband of the Boss of the Red Tiger Gang, heads back towards the command tent, humming merrily and picking up a couple plates of sausages and eggs as she passes the main campfire, where some of the more pro-active members are already cooking breakfast.

Entering the tent, she's greeted by a familiar scene- Aside from a couple cots and chests of personal effects tucked away in one corner, and a couple appropriately rough trinkets adorning the walls, the tent is mostly bare- except for the floor being littered with maps, scrolls, and scribbled notes, and the scholarly woman- her lieutenant, adviser, and closest friend- poring over them worriedly.

"Ahh, today's going to be a good day; I can feel it!" She said briskly, before plopping down beside a pile of scrolls and setting one of the plates in front of her companion, on top of several maps.

"Every day you make the morning rounds is a good day, Lii- you just like yelling and hitting people." The other woman replied, looking up and brushing aside her curtain of black hair.

Liira broke into a wide grin. "Sure do! So, whatcha got for me, Sam?"

Samantha smiled helplessly, before sighing and returning to her usual worried expression, moving the obstructing plate into her lap and again leaning over the parchments. "Since we're new to these parts, our biggest threat right now is a lack of information- we haven't been able to get much on places outside the Empire, but from what little I've heard, the Storm Coast isn't unified by any means. I sent out scouts a couple days ago to survey the area and try to gather information from the surrounding villages, but I don't know when they'll be back."

"Incognito, of course."

"Of course," Samantha frowned slightly, "Even if we're not well known around here, we can't just go taking stupid risks like that. Earlier this morning, I've also sent out a few emissaries to try and get in touch with other local bandit bosses, so we can get connected and try to avoid any unnecessary turf wars."

-Send scouts to the northwest, west, southwest, south, and southeast to recon the area- try to gather intel from the locals on nearby cities, regional powers, and any other sites of interest.
-Attempt to contact other local bandit gangs to negotiate non-aggression pacts with them.

[ashton1993]

Kawakai looked around the royal tent, an expression of glee on her face, so many interesting people and conversations she thought as she flitted between talking to a merchant all the way from Korlan, she talked to him for quite a while actually:

"So what are you doing this far from Korlan?"
"What am I doing so far from home, heh, you don't exactly look local" cried the badly-burnt Albanian boy
"Hmm... Ok I'll go first then, well I'm a mechanic and came up just for somewhere that felt, you know, less oppressive on an expedition"
"Really? Same! I've always been into the finer points of life and Korlan is just so militaristic, I came here to make a living as a trader."

The conversations continued like this for about an hour but just before visiting the ale bar a thought went through Kawakai's mind I might actually be able to find some work here she started to look for the shadier folks, maybe work could be found.

Try and obtain spy work from anyone at the exhibition.