A Tale of Two Orphans — IC

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:44 pm

Valcus laughs, a rare occurrence in recent times. He slows to a stop, regarding the orc's massive frame. "I have neither the delusion of vanity nor the time needed to try and best you in a contest of strength," he explains. And if I was injured doing something as careless as such... I might not be able to lead these people to safety. What good is a broken knight who needs to be protected?

Post by **Pashalik** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 7:46 pm

With Valcus stopping, Ghor decides to put his foot in the door. Why so rushed? You have come far, by the look of it, surely you could use a chance to enjoy yourself? I am sure your men would agree."

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 8:12 pm

Valcus' demeanor turns more sullen. "My men would most decidedly disagree," he says, his voice solemn now. "While we stand here and chatter, there are around a thousand people outside these walls with no home and nothing but the clothes they wear. The three of us here are the only ones that are capable of doing anything about that."

He sighs, remembering his duty. "I mean you no disrespect, my friend. If you had propositioned a challenge before this land was at war, I might have taken up your offer. Good day," the knight says with a curt nod.

Valcus begins to walk toward the Warden's premises, but stops and spins on the spot. "You say you are the strongest man in the world, and that may be true. But are you the bravest?"

Post by **Pashalik** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 8:24 pm

Ghor realizes Valcus has just put him in a tight spot. No strongman wrestler can afford to appear cowardly in front of a crowd. Ruining his image would ruin his profits. "The Great Ghor never backs down!"

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 8:42 pm

"There exists an enemy more fierce than I have ever seen. They plague this land like weevils. They murder our people, our family. Subjugate us to their atrocities. They have no morals, no honor -- not where our lives are concerned. And you know what? They outnumber us. Their organized sorties overshadow our own warriors. Their navy could break any armada. They fight with vigor and initiative that mortals should not have."

The knight draws closer. "Some might say that to bring the fight to their encroaching horde would be foolish. That it would be futile. But I disagree," he says, shaking his head briskly. "I call it courage."

"You called us warriors of renown, yes? And you've claimed you will fight many men, even at once," Valcus reminds the mountainous orc. "Then what greater honor is there to fight many men alongside us warriors of renown? What greater honor is there than to prove to this land and its people that not only are you the strongest man in the world, but the bravest, too?"

The knight extends an arm, a clear sign for a clasp of hands. "So join our struggle, O' Great Ghor." He gives the orc a wan smile.

Post by **Pashalik** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 8:57 pm

Ghor mulls it over for a moment. Money with the troupe wasn't great, but neither is a soldier's pay. Still, I'm not looking to travel with these guys as they wander back toward Serran. And I doubt Crescent Bluff will ever catch up to me here. Ghor neglects to take Valcus' hand. "I am not of this land. Why should I take a soldier's pay to go to war for it?"

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Sep 30, 2017 9:10 pm

"Neither are the dozens of Serranborn mercenaries aiding our mission," Valcus says, retracting his extended hand into a shrug. "But they are here, and so are you. Sometimes the course of one's life causes them to take up a fight they wouldn't have expected. I never asked to be in such a position as this, and yet here I am, too. The mercenaries fight for a living. I fight to continue living. In that regard, are we really all that different?"

Sighing, Valcus looks back at his two companions. "Well, Great Ghor, I hope you consider my words. Can't say how a soldier's wage stacks up compared to your performances, but it carries more weight." He nods once again at the man, before turning to leave for the Warden's. "We will be in or outside of Red Bridge for another hour -- two at the most. If you deem it in your interest, or deem others' interest above your own, then seek me out."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 5:58 pm

[SHOW]: As the group begins to move on again, Gildras, steps speaks up once out of ear-shot of the performers. "Apologies for them, my lords. They've been in the city for some time now, and due to its closure have grown desperate for attention it seems."

Stepping onto the bridge, the road slowly inclines at a shallow angle for some time before it evens out again. From here the group passes under a small gate house, not nearly the size of the one at the city walls, but enough to prevent passage across the bridge if the need arises. Past that the road opens up much wider, and the group can see the larger, more prominent homes and shops of the city. They line the edges of the road, likely butting up to the edge of the bridge or hanging slightly over. In the distance the group can see the much larger Watchtower that houses the Warden and his family.

The group makes their way down the road, finding the street fairly busy compared to the one on the mainland. The people seem almost content, and had you been moving through the city you'd think the people were not even aware of the war raging on outside the city walls.

[SHOW]: As the others continue on their way, Kiki and Afsheen sigh before wandering back to the others. "The first new people in the city in weeks, and they don't even want to stop and watch!" Kiki laments, as she takes a seat on the ground, leaning against the post she'd been tossing knives at before.

"And what did you expect, hm?" Alvaro chimes in, having been seated on a crate, meditating. "The city is sealed, the people outside are at war. Why else would they come here if not on urgent business? I doubt this city's ruler would let just anyone in the gates."

As they speak, Mutar steps out of his carriage, which is parked near the wall of a shop. He is the only one to have an entire carriage all to himself, and so often can be found in there when nothing else is happening. "Outsiders, eh?" he says with a grin, stroking at his beard as he thinks. "This could be our way out of this dull place," he continues, stepping over to Ghor. "What did that man say to you? He must be important if the Warden allowed him entry."

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 7:25 pm

"It's strange, Ser Gildras." Valcus cocks his head around as he walks, taking in the almost untouched bastion that Red Bridge has become. "It feels like before. When our kingdoms were at relative peace with each other... When we felt safe and stable."

The knight can't help but feel uncomfortable, however. It feels wrong to be so blissful and distracted. How can they seem this way? Are they not worried for their lives?

"How has the Warden maintained such order? Such contentedness?"

Post by **Pashalik** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 7:59 pm

Ghor gives his boss the scoop. "They're fighters for some clash or another. If we're gonna use them to get out here, and I think we should, we'd better pack it up quick. He said they don't plan on staying more than another hour or two."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 8:16 pm

[SHOW]: Gildras looks away at the question, facing some of the people passing by. He does not initially respond, waiting for a moment when no civilians are within earshot. "It is best they don't know," he says quietly, looking down a bit as he does so. "At least that is the Warden's belief."

[SHOW]: Marga stands with her arms crossed, leaning against another of the three carriages that makes up the circus caravan, this one being the one the others all sleep in. "We could use them for other things too," she says with a smirk, having watched intently as the men walked away.

"I've got dibs on the elf!" Kiki responds, a devious grin on her face. "He looked like he'd be very easy to scare."

"I do not know why you are all so keen to leave," chimes Hassan, who'd been lounging on a pillow for hours prior, enjoying his pipe as usual. "This place is large, the people seem relaxed. It is a good place," he says, toking from his pipe once more.

"We are making no money, that's why," Mutar says. "What good is a 'traveling' circus that doesn't travel? The mystery wears off after a time, as you've all seen. The people here do not pay us any mind. We need to move on, lest the gold run out."

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 8:38 pm

"Best they don't know?" Valcus repeats punctuatedly, a mix of horror and anger. "Are you serious?" He bites his tongue, not wanting to be overheard.

"Do they even know what's happened to the western holds? What's happened to my home? My people?"

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:46 am

Drake pays the entertainers little attention while Valcus talks with them, eager to speak with the Warden. His attention is caught however when Valcus brings up the idea of the Orc joining them.

He does look like he can handle himself in a fight, he thinks, sizing up the Orc.

"Surely the city being closed off arouses some suspicions," Drake says, joining Valcus and Gildras' conversation.

"No merchants passing through such a vital crossing of the Red River can't be normal around here."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 5:57 pm

[SHOW]: "No," the man responds to Valcus, before turning to Drake. "They think it is sealed to protect against the armies of Trelheim, our war with them was already under way before the invasion."

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:22 pm

Valcus shakes his head in a private manner to Drake. Not good. He continues along, now picking up the pace. "Well, I want to hear the Warden's reasoning behind this," he says.

Post by **Pashalik** » Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:46 pm

"Boss is right. We've been cooped up long enough, let's get going while we have the chance." With that, Ghor turns to start packing his meager gear. He flashes a smile at the others, "You can toy with them on the road."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:04 pm

The elf boy is baffled as Ser Gildras explains the state of the city. "How does the Warden plan to explain this when the warfront reaches this far east? Caelen asks, bewildered at their willingness to force their people into blissful ignorance. I suppose they'll just say the armies of Trelheim got aid from Imardin?

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 7:06 pm

[SHOW]: "I am not sure," the man says, as they draw nearer to the center of the bridge. "Myself and a few others know the truth, and have been instructed to keep it to ourselves, so that is what I've done. I do not know the reasoning behind the Warden's decision, I've been wondering myself for awhile now. Perhaps you will have better luck getting it out of him, given that you already know firsthand what this invasion is like."

[SHOW]: "¿salimos?" says Minh, who had been standing off to the side watching people pass by. With the rest of the caravan speaking in Tulrissian it should come to no surprise that she'd not have caught wind of any of the rest of the conversation going. However, as Ghor begins to pack up his belongings she clearly takes notice.

Serran Translation
[SHOW]
"We leave?"

[/sblock]

Post by **Pashalik** » Thu Oct 05, 2017 5:00 pm

"Nos vamos, hermanita. Aunque tenemos la oportunidad." He says with a smile.

[SHOW]: "We're leaving, sister. While we have the chance."

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Oct 05, 2017 6:33 pm

"It is a difficult line to walk, being an advisor to a leader," Valcus says. "You are expected to speak your mind some times, and keep your mouth shut others." He looks up at the tower on the bridge. "No matter. We will speak to the Warden ourselves and see if we can't talk sense into him. These people have to know..."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Thu Oct 05, 2017 11:12 pm

This city cannot continue to live in this state. The truth must come out, the elf boy thinks as the party draws closer to the tower. He nods along with Valcus, adding, "It's dangerous to keep them in the dark. Let's hope the Warden can shed some light on it."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Fri Oct 06, 2017 3:35 pm

"If we don't convince the Warden to tell the people. They'll soon find out for themselves when Imardanian Banners fly from the siege camps in the fields surrounding the Bridge and Imardanian Ships are showering the city with arrows," Drake says.

"This isn't a war anyone can sit out. Hiding in a castle and pretending it isn't happening is only going to mean you're the last to fall. The only way we stand a chance is to meet the Imardanians as one."

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Oct 09, 2017 5:18 pm

[SHOW]: Gildras nods along as the others speak, but doesn't add more to the discussion. As Drake finishes his last sentence they arrive at the base of the tower. Underneath the large structure is a tunnel that leads from one side of the tower to the other, connecting the two halves of the bridge. The entrance to the tunnel holds a gate, though it is already raised to let villagers pass.

The knight leads the party into the tunnel, where they find another, smaller gate about halfway through, off to one side. This gate is initially closed, though another man on the other side nods to Gildras and heads through a door, where shortly after the gate begins to rise. The party heads through, and their escort leads them down a short corridor before they take a spiral staircase.

After a hundred steps or so the staircase opens to a chamber, though it continues rising further as well. The chamber appears to mostly contain crate and weapon racks, likely serving as an armory, and Gildras leads you further up. Another fifty steps or so and there is another opening, this time to what seems to be a kitchen and pantry, and you are led further still. You continue this way past various smallish chambers before finally reaching one that is clearly the throne room.

You enter the throne room, noting that the tower staircase does continue higher still, and find the Warden gazing out of one of many windows that wrap around the walls of the round room. Hearing your entry he turns to greet you, a man with a solemn face, longer brown hair, and a modest beard.

"Greetings, my Lords," the man says, stepping forward to shake the hands of Drake and Valcus. "I am the Warden of this bridge, I understand you've come here seeking my aid." He nods to Gildras, who gives a slight bow and returns down the staircase, likely to resume his post.

Around the room are a series of banners, alternating between those of Red Bridge and those of House Karlach. A few men stand guard at the entrance to the room, behind you a bit now, as well as a few more off to the sides of the room, totaling six in all. They all wear the colors of House Karlach as one would expect, and wield spears in their hands, with swords and shields on their backs. They all watch your way.

[SHOW]: "Bien," the Ghian replies, giving the orc a slight nod. She slowly begins gathering the very few belongings she has outside of the carriages and starts to move them to the third of the three that make up the caravan, which is used for storage of everything the performers don't need while on the road. The others start to follow the lead of Ghor and Minh, packing up their items while returning to their idle chatter. A few villagers take note as they are passing by, some of whom express sadness that they are leaving, though most seem indifferent - a few even pleased - that they will soon be gone.

* * OOC: Feel free to have Ghor talk to any of the carnies if you want. If not, then this bit of RP will be on pause for a short time until the others pass by again. * *

Serran Translation
[SHOW]
"Okay"

[/sblock]

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 10, 2017 10:15 am

Valcus shakes the Warden's hand as they meet. Strange throne room, the knight considers, realizing how high up they were -- yet still over water.

"Greetings, Warden," he returns. "Ser Gildras broke the news to us at the gate -- Red Bridge has no room for our weak and weary. We are considering petitioning the Queen of Menora next, unless you have reconsidered. There was more to our request to meet, however."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 11:07 am

Drake too shakes the Warden's hand, before letting Valcus speak. As the knight opens the conversation, Drake looks around the throne room. Despite being very different, it reminds him of his own throne back in Spearpoint. I've not even sat on the throne since I became Lord. It doesn't seem right that an Imardanian should sit in my father's chair before I do, he thinks, starting to wonder if the Imardanians marching on his home had arrived yet.

"There is a war raging out there, and soon it will be at your gates," Drake adds, getting straight to the point after being riled up slightly by his thoughts of home.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:34 pm

[SHOW]: "Aye, more than one war, actually," The Warden says to Drake, his solemn expression remaining the same as he speaks. "We've already been fending off the armies of Trelheim for months, and now this invasion. It saddens me to see such carnage," the man adds, before turning his attention back to Valcus.

"It is because of these wars that the gates of the city have, and will remain, sealed, and why - while it saddens me to say so - I cannot support any refugees. Our stores are already taxed with the local populace, adding hundreds of more mouths to feed will only decrease how long we can hold out."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sat Oct 14, 2017 2:05 pm

"Yes Ser Gildras was filling us in on your situation on the way here," Drake replies.

"We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves when all of Tulrisse is under attack. It's exactly what the Imardanians want," he says somewhat frustrated. "What started the war with Trelheim?"

Post by **ratwizard** » Sat Oct 14, 2017 4:19 pm

[SHOW]: History check to see if Valcus knows anything about the war with Trelheim: 10(1d20) +7 = 17

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sat Oct 14, 2017 8:15 pm

Caelen nods along with Drake, remarking, "Can't Red Bridge and Trelheim make peace to deal with the larger threat at hand?" Though he'd grown up in Tulrisse for part of his life, he has never understood Tulrissian politics and warring. What's to gain from these petty squabbles? It'll be their downfall if they keep this up.

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:19 pm

[SHOW]: You'd have heard of the war breaking out a month or so before the invasion began. Lord Halstos felt it best not to interfere, knowing the Fausta's Steppe to have featured many wars between the two powers over the years. He did not make any indication about whether he supported one side or the other, but from what you can recall it was Trelheim who instigated the fighting.

[SHOW]: "If only it were so easy," the Warden replies to Drake and Caelen, his expression remaining as before. Turning to Drake, he continues, "a while back - maybe a month or more before this invasion started - an army from Trelheim marched into the Steppe and conquered a few of the territories neighboring theirs. We sent delegations to meet with them, but they decided to send us back their heads. Our only choice was to fight back.

"From what I can tell, they intend to conquer the Steppe in its entirety. They've been pushing ever southward since the war began, and the invasion has done nothing to slow their advance. We have held them back in some places and failed to do so in others, our men are well-trained after all. However, the region past our walls is not safe and no efforts to sue for peace have been successful. This is why I've sealed the city, and this is why I've kept silent about the invasion. If the people knew that there were enemy armies on all sides, they'd lose hope. Hope is all we have at the moment."

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:35 pm

"With respect, Warden, isn't a false hope worse than realistic fear? The Imardanians are not slowing in their invasion. I'm sure you've heard many keeps and cities to the south and west have already fallen in their wake. What will you say to the citizens you protect when these armies show up at your southern gates?"

Valcus shakes his head. "Your position is a difficult one," the knight admits. "But keeping your Steppemen in the dark on what great evil could -- and likely will -- come their way... This is wrong."

He looks the Warden in his eyes. "However, I have a solution."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 7:09 pm

[SHOW]: "Great evil? It is an invasion, and, while a large one, it is just another army to weather. We've weathered many armies before, and I doubt they'll even make it past Darden's Hold to begin with. No one has yet conquered the castle on the rock, and I doubt any frilly, northern goddess-worshiper has what it takes to do so," the man responds, his tone noticeably more defensive than before.

"I do not know if their hope is false or not, but if so then so be it. I'd rather they fight and survive with valor, believing or victory possible - if not inevitable - than have panic in the streets. Do you think it wise that every simpleton knows all the small details at play? There'd be chaos, and chaos only makes it easier for the invaders to win, if they are as 'great' as you claim."

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:24 pm

Valcus' face sours at the Warden's insensitive words. "You were not there when they cut down my people. My family. My Lord," the knight says, keeping his tone as even as he can despite his irritation. "They have a stronger military, and they are gobbling up our other brethren. Virem and Eranor first, then Twinriver -- my own home. And now Spearpoint, too. Taken."

"Yes, Darden's Hold may stand. But what stops these northerners from marching around it and onto more vulnerable positions like Greywood, or Garland?"

The knight shakes his head again. "These are not small details, Warden. There are lives at stake. There is no sound logic behind pledging your armies and your focus on this feud with the Trelheimers, when there is a full-scale war behind you. Thousands have died already. We cannot continue divided, caught between struggles of land and border-right."

"...What if I was able to convince the Lord of Oak Crossing to end this?"

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:53 pm

"It's not just armies either," Caelen interjects, well aware of the foreign dangers beyond just troops. "The Imardanians take part in intrigue and subterfuge as well." The elf thinks back to Natalia and Antonio and their actions in Violet Keep.

"The Lord and Lady of Violet Keep were murdered by a pair of Imardanian assassins, one posing as the new lord's betrothed. There may be more too, trying to weaken us from the inside," he adds with distress, hoping the party's words can make it through the Warden's thickened skull.

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 7:12 pm

[SHOW]: * * OOC: I am going to slightly alter the order of speech to be all of the last Valcus post except the last line, then the Warden, then the Caelen post, then the Warden, then the last line from Valcus, then the Warden again. I feel what you guys wrote and what he'd say narratively mesh best that way. * *

...caught between struggles of land and border-right."

"You're right, I was not there," the Warden interjects, clearly now quite annoyed with his guests, though not showing signs of outright aggression. "I was here, defending my homeland from an invasion of outsiders who seek to steal our lands and kill our people. Does that not sound the same as what you are asking me to do for you? Defend my homeland? Except the west is not my home, the Steppes are, and if they fall to Trelheim then what is there left to protect from Imardin? You'd have me simply abandon my people to fight a war to protect westerners who are unable to protect themselves? Bah!"

...trying to weaken us from the inside,"

The man listens as the elf interjects, looking annoyed still, but not enough to interrupt. Once the boy finishes speaking he continues, saying, "I'd heard of the events at the Violet Keep. Gunther was a friend and it is sad to know he's gone, and in such a gruesome way at that. But his murder, or the fall of those cities, does not erase the army I already have at my gates. I cannot take in new mouths, or send my armies west, when the armies of Trelheim still plague my lands and my people. I will not abandon them to fight your war, and if that is all you've come to ask then I think we're done here." He turns his back to the group and begins walking back towards the window he'd been gazing out before, when Valcus adds a final thought.

"...What if I was able to convince the Lord of Oak Crossing to end this?"

With this the man turns again, though does not re-approach the group. He looks towards one of the windows for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then back at them. "And how do you propose you'll accomplish that?"[/sblock]

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:06 pm

"I'll have the time between Menora and back while I draw up a plan of action," Valcus responds, also unsure of he might do so. "The refugees come first, though. The commonfolk are the lifeblood of our land. They hold little choice in which banner they live under, and yet are the first to suffer in times of peril."

Valcus sighs, disappointed. "I seek not to irritate you, Warden Karlach. I understand your desire to defend your people, I really do. I can't blame you for thinking of them first."

The knight looks up at the man again. "But I need to do everything in my ability to end this war between your people and the Trelheimers. On our return, would you at least let us through, so that we might parley with Lord Rautrel?"

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:28 pm

[SHOW]: The man thinks for a moment again, turning to gaze out his window before he does so. Some of his knights seem to be watching in anticipation of his response, clearly interested in the conversation, or perhaps concerned for the future.

"I will not stop you from passing through to the north, if you are so determined," he eventually says, before turning to face the group once more. He sighs and his annoyance seems to have faded, his appearance returning to its previously-solemn expression. "But I will warn you that it is not a safe place. Any field could be an active battleground if our armies should clash, and I cannot guarantee you won't be mistaken for combatants and roped in. You'd be wise to exercise caution should you venture onto the Steppes."

Post by **ratwizard** » Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:39 pm

At the leader's words, Valcus dons a sad smile. "Warden, we've been traveling for weeks now -- evading Imardanian assassins, troop movements, bandit ambushes, and strange beasts I wouldn't wish upon an enemy. I don't think you need to warn us about the Trelheimers."

He straightens up. "I did have another question, however. You probably know Queen Millicent better than I could. Do you see her taking in our tired and weary? Menora is one of the safest places in Tulrisse right now. I'm sure she is in a better position to receive them, with only one flank to keep watch over."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:47 am

"We can only hope so. It's either her or the dwarves," Drake chimes in, having been content to let Valcus lead the conversation with the Warden.

"Warden, if we can end this war with Trelheim, will you join the fight against the Imardanians? They may not threaten Red Bridge just yet but they soon will, and if all the westerners have fallen, there will be no one to come to your aid and Red Bridge will fall." Drake adds, giving the Warden something of an ultimatum.

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Oct 22, 2017 5:54 pm

[SHOW]

Valcus, Drake, Caelen

The Warden listens as Valcus speaks, before turning to respond. "Aye, I know her, but not well. She's never been fond of me, but I control trade on the river so that is to be expected. She has always been very stern, but fair, so if you make your case well I imagine you'll have luck. I doubt the dwarves would aid you, at least not without her help," he adds, now turning to Drake.

He steps forward a bit but still does not approach the group directly again, before saying, "should I have armies left once my war with Trelheim is over, and should the invaders from Imardin still be her then, yes, I will aid you. As much as I can, at least. At the very least you can expect it to be very difficult for them to approach via river."

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Oct 23, 2017 5:42 pm

"Very well, Warden. I will be forthright in saying that I can't promise a peaceful resolution from your rival to the north. That being said, it is in my interest to do everything at my disposal in order to secure alliances."

Valcus bows to the man. "Thank you for meeting with us. We must leave as soon as we can in order to reach Menora on schedule." He sighs, looking past the man and out the window. How many more will perish on this march?

[SHOW]: I wanna dip out and head back to the caravan.

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:24 pm

[SHOW]

Valcus, Caelen, Drake

The Warden simply nods, and turns back to his surveying of the lands outside the window, and the group descends the stairs. It is a little easier going down the staircase than up it, though the steps are a bit slippery from so many years of use. They once more pass the various other rooms of the tower as they make their way back to the base, and, once there, continue on down the road.

As the group walks many people watch them, some whispering to one another, others giving odd looks. Many others continue about their days as normal, and barring any diversions the group makes their way back to the end of the bridge and onto the southern bank, where they are once more met by the performers they'd seen earlier.

[SHOW]

Ghor

It does not take long for the troupe to gathering their belongings and prepare for departure, not only because they're so used to the process, but because they'd already done most of the work over a week before, when they initially planned to leave. There is some idle chatter, but for the most part they work in silence, hoping to complete their packing before the outsiders make their return.

As she steps out of the rear carriage, which holds most of the group's belongings, Kiki spots the trio of men making their way off the bridge and back onto the mainland. "There they are!" she shouts to the others, who turn to spot them. Most of the packing had been done by this point, but Afsheen and Marga scramble to finish up some of their own stuff at the sight of their would-be escorts. Hearing the shouting, the door to Mutar's carriage opens and the man steps out to approach them.

[SHOW]

Everyone (read previous block first)

"Greetings, travelers," a finely dressed man says, as he steps forward to greet the trio of Tulrissians making their way towards the south gate. "I never got a chance to make your acquaintance when you passed by earlier. My name is Mutar," he continues, with a brilliant flourish and a deep bow. He returns to a normal position after a moment of holding the bow, and reaches out to shake the hand of the nearest of the three.

As he speaks, the men notice that the other performers they'd met earlier seem to be watching them, as well as some others they'd not encountered their first pass through the town. Like some of the people from the bridge, a few of them talk quietly amongst themselves, but most just look on, seeming interested in the interaction.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:34 pm

[SHOW]: History to see if Valcus has heard of Mutar: 6(1d20) +7 = 13

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:39 pm

[SHOW]: Valcus would have heard of Mutar in reference to the Magnificent Mutar's Traveling Circus, a group of traveling performers popular with the nobility of both Tulrisse and Serra. He'd have heard tales of performances by them going all the way back to when Lord Halstos' father was a child, so it is likely that this is not the first 'Mutar' to have existed.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:50 pm

"Magnificent Mutar," Valcus says, taken aback by the man's introduction as he shakes his hand. The knight's eyes gleam and he smiles, remembering the stories his mother used to tell him of the man's circus troupe. I wasn't sure if she made him up or not.

"It is certainly a pleasure to meet you. I suppose it seems we have both found ourselves in Red Bridge. In your case, by choice -- I would hope."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 9:31 am

"Mutar..." Drake says aloud trying to place the name. "Did you perform at the feast in Darden's Hold? Four, no five years ago? Celebrating Master Raimund's Son's knighthood I think," he continues.

"I don't fully remember the feast if I'm honest. I drank a lot of wine and earlier in the day I took quite a hit to the head in a joust. Ser Alwin Harlaw I think it was." Drake says.

From The Sickle, there's a good chance he's dead now I suppose, he thinks, remembering the knight.

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 8:30 pm

"Ah, how good of you to remember," Mutar says gleefully to Drake, as he finishes shaking Valcus' hand. "One of our finer performances if I do say so myself. Our lineup has changed a bit since then, but we do well for ourselves." His smile fades slightly as he turns back to address Valcus, saying. "Yes, by choice of course. At least initially. I did actually have a request for you, if you'd spare a moment of your time for us."

"Take us with you!" Kiki shouts out, the knife-thrower from before who is standing off to the side with a host of other performers. They all turn to look at her, some looking embarrassed, others unfazed by the outburst. Mutar scowls and hushes her, motioning for her to keep quiet. She frowns, and Afsheen - the man who'd approached before - gives her an pat on the shoulder while he smirks in amusement.

"While quite lacking in manners and subtlety, that is the gist of my request," Mutar continues, turning and bowing towards the others in apology. Once he returns to his upright position, he continues. "With the city sealed off for so long we've been stuck here, and our prospects wane with the public's interest in our performance. If you'd be so kind, would you permit us to travel with you? At least until you arrive to another city we can set up camp in?"

Post by **Pashalik** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 8:45 pm

Ghor steps up beside Mutar. "Yes, let's. Even a short trip will give us plenty of time to get on our way, and I'm sure our number have many interesting things to keep your men's minds off the road."

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 9:43 pm

Valcus stays quiet as Mutar explains himself better than Kiki could. They're asking for us to effectively be their caravan guards, the knight realizes. It was a significant thing to ask, especially considering the circumstances. Added responsibility that I ask not for -- but there is much to gain from it. They are good people. And while not all Tulrissian, they do not deserve to fall to this war any more or less than my brethren. He bites the inside of his cheek, thinking. Besides, morale might be improved with Mutar and his gang around.

The man ponders for another short moment before looking back up to the ringleader. "I suppose trying times make it in both of our interests to travel together," Valcus admits, nodding. Looking at Ghor, then back to Mutar, he asks: "Can any of your band fight?
Should the need arise, I mean. The roads are not safe. If we are ambushed, I need to know how self-reliant -- or not -- your people may be."

Post by **Pashalik** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 10:55 pm

Ghor puts on an overdone look of hurt. "Ah, to have forgotten so soon! It is as I told you," Here he switches from his show voice to his pre-show voice, ensuring that it carries. "I can fight one or many!"