Fire Emblem (IC)

[Aryadnae]

The room is silent as the three of you are brought into it. A large room with candles lighting nearly every section of stone wink at you all as the man in chair, more of a throne really, waves his hand and sends the two larger men with you all away. The man sitting in his throne smiles, a smile that seems to promise many things and nothing at the same time.

"Welcome to my humble abode," he says, still keeping his smile as he eyes you all up. Lingering on each face for a moment, eyeing off any weapons and possessions you have. "If you would all be so kind as to listen to my proposition, I'm sure we can come to an arrangement. I am, as you may know; Archduke Forrest, the overseer of this lovely region of Navene, and as such, I am asking for your aid to protect our lovely home." The Archduke continues, his eyes seeming to pierce into your own eyes as he speaks. He looks at all three of you, waiting to hear your answers.

[Icilia]

"What you want with me, and how much I be paid Beorc? Is arrangement you seek with us legal, or you asking for us to break laws? All this very important so arrangement can compensate adequately. Would hate for you to be sending me to do something, and then lay all blame on me. Would be terrible for both, promise." Fenryr growls the last with pleasure, showing his long canines.

[LummyNess]

'Intriguing, please, go on! I would be most interested in the potential knowledge our enemies might have attained. perhaps we could even gain some valuable research materials...
But as the Canine said we most definitely will require sufficient compensation for the task you have us do!' cunningly smiling, as she re-straightens her glasses.

[Aryadnae]

"Well, straight to the point aren't you both?" The Archduke smirks, "It's simple. I, and the King, are in need of a few, shall we say...volunteers, to travel to Arion and lend their assistance to the local guards in dealing with a rather aggressive bandit problem." He pauses, motioning with his hand as a new man, a weedy looking fellow akin to a rat, walks in. Several pieces of paper in hand.
"This is my advisor, Johnston, he will be taking your marks if you agree to help our beloved city. Your reward however, before you continue baring your fangs at me Wolfskin, will be to keep whatever to obtain from these brigands as well as a healthy stipend of 1000G, to be used in Arion to outfit yourselves a bit better than what you currently have, if you like. Or, you can keep the gold I care not." the Archduke finishes his statement as the advisor presents you all with an individual piece of paper.
"If you'd be so kind," the rodent looking man drawls, disdain clear in his voice as a quill is offered to Fenrys.

"Master Wolfskin, assuming you accept my job offer, I can offer you a place to stay, should you need it, as well as a rather generous payment of 1000G every time you complete a request I ask of you. Nothing you do, under my orders, will ever result in you being held responsible. As I have told you, the city of Arion is currently under siege from a series of brigands that have holed themselves up in a fort a few days walk from the city. In addition to aiding the city, I would have you make your way to this encampment and destroy it. Sincerely, Archduke Forrest.

PS: I would have you also know that Johnston, my advisor, will be the man whom will inform you of any orders I have for you.

"Mistress Mage, assuming you accept my job offer, I can offer you a place to stay, or information, should you need it, as well as a rather generous payment of 1000G every time you complete a request I ask of you. Nothing you do, under my orders, will ever result in you being held responsible. As I have told you, the city of Arion is currently under siege from a series of brigands that have holed themselves up in a fort a few days walk from the city. In addition to aiding the city, I would have you try to keep these bandits from attacking the city again, by offering them this chance at becoming a legal mercenary group under my purview. Sincerely, Archduke Forrest.

PS: I would have you also know that Johnston, my advisor, will be the man whom will inform you of any orders I have for you

As you read your letters, there is a small line at the bottom, seemingly waiting for a signature.

[naylz_93]

"Aye, taking on bandits? why didn't you say so in the first place. It'd get me some decent practice with me sword. You need not ask twice, where do I sign up" rather boastful, cracking his knuckles as if ready for a brawl.

[Icilia]

Fenryr drops from a pleasant growl to a sneer. "I need no place for stay, beorc. I take money and kill bandits. Easy situation."

With a quick snap Fenryr grabs the quill, makes his mark, and flicks the quill back at the servant. "If no else to be known, I going now. Malicathe not fond of be alone."

Fenryr turns and leaves, awaiting any who join him outside the door of the room.

[LummyNess]

Ethel raises her hand in gest for the letter to be received. And swiftly reads through making note not to miss any loopholes.

‘I see no ill will here, very well then. My things will be ready for someone to pick them up by three rings past Noon’ again gestures for the quill to be passed and signs the document with most perfection. With the paper signed she bows ever so slightly to the archduke ‘good day’

Noticing the hound out side she states ‘if I am to be working with you the least you could do is learn proper spoken language. It makes it rather hard to distinguish which family of mammal you fall under otherwise.’
And continues walking without leaving a second for a response.

[Aryadnae]

"Usually when someone of distinguished rank speaks, you would do well to not be impolite and ignore him, however, seeing as you are rather...bestial, my Lord will be overlooking it. This time," Johnston says irritation colouring his voice as he quickly rummages around for another letter.
"Sign it and be done with it already, the same offer applies to you as well," he all but growls. The Archduke simply watches, a mild look of distaste present on his features. He quickly masks it before smiling to you all,
"If you wish, you may all rest here for the day, it is a few days to get to Arion. And unfortunately, there have been reports of bandits nearby, perhaps you'll take care of them as you pass through. I would hate for you to become waylaid due to their blind arrogance," Forrest smiles again.
"Or, if you wish, you may leave immediately, I will have rooms prepared for you all upon your return. Oh, Mistress Ethel, if you would be so kind as to let Johnston know where you will be leaving your things, he will arrange for them to be brought here posthaste."

As you all know, the journey to Arion will take you about four days, assuming good weather and fair travel. But the Archduke seemed quite insistent that you all remain for the night. It appears that he is quite concerned about your safety, although he is aware of your talents, he does still seem to show some care for you all. You are his employees after all.

[Icilia]

Fenryr moves to the side of the mage. "I am not know why you choosing be so cruel about words. Not often having use common speech so you excusing proper speaking."

"Being polite, I is Fenryr, last of pack. Companion naming be Malicathe. What be of yours, beorc? And we to be sleep in tower or walkings to slay bandit this moon? Personal be hunting if no complains."

[naylz_93]

"Bestial!!!! Where i come from, ye be deserving of a good thumping for that." snatching the letter from Johnston. "But seeing as ye be paying me for taking the bandits, i best not be biting the hand that be feeding me" hurriedly signing the letter and returning it. "As for when we leave to take those fools down, the sooner the better. Race you all to the first kill" Dashing out of the room, eager to spill blood

[LummyNess]

With a slight sigh and almost sympathetic look 'Very well Fenryr, you leave me no....' shifting her attention to Erwin and with a Stern scolding tonne 'WHAT ON GODS GRACE ARE YOU DOING Tenguel!? How dare you talk such filth. mind who your company is. Just because you are part beast does not constitute your actions.
Think of the image you portray of your people! SUCH DISGRACE! you should be ashamed!' without skipping a beat reverts her eyes back to Fenryr and almost with a relieved expression explains 'fret not, I can see you're embarrassed by this weakness. and as such I shall assist you with your language barrier and become your teacher.' fixing her glasses once more while stiffening her back.
'now lets be off! OH and before I forget, Johnston! my Possessions are at the ____ inn off of the main street, they are already packed. oh and Johnston? take most care when transporting them wouldn't want anything to explode. I've heard its rather life threatening. fair well! Smiles ever so devilishly and begins following the now ahead Erwin.

[naylz_93]

"My so called people exiled me, they need not worry about my image of them. They were all humans anyway, i being the only tenguel of the village. Just because i looked unlike them, they believed the had the right to treat me worse than a common whore." as an near evil smirk appears on Erwin's face as he grasps his sword, so not to lose it while running through the streets. "Ye not be teaching me to talk, a tenguel fends for himself. Ye better be catching up if you want to kill them bandits first."

[Icilia]

"Not smart for bunny be quick hop, hop, hop. Fenryr not so distant from wolf. Bunny making good meal. Especially bunny away from den. Companion important all time. But, timing for bandit hunt, yes?"

"And thanking beorc woman for helps. Much hard when speak little. Still not know name, but suring will find soon."

Fenryr strides of and joins his wyvern mount, giving her a stroke along the neck before mounting up, ready to hunt down some bandits.

[LummyNess]

'How daft of me, I am the Magi; Ethel Magnatosh.' Curtsies with grace and proper form. 'let the hunt begin' she says with a blood lust look.

[Aryadnae]

The three of you leave the room in a rush. Ethel, you notice as you glance back briefly a smile on the Archduke's face as he leaves his audience chamber. As the two beast-race men ruse forwards, one along the road, the other towards his draconic companion. You notice that neither of them thought to look back at your new employer. The look on the Archduke's face was unsettling to say the least.

However, as the two of you begin your journey on the road, Fenrys by air, you each will need to make a perception check.

You notice 7 individuals on the side of the road trying to stay hidden
You notice nothing

Please go to the roll20 page for combat, starting positions may adjust based on perception checks.

[Aryadnae]

After the battle, the unconscious bodies of Ethel and Erwin lie immobile in the middle of the field. The young woman, who introduced herself as Alina, cautiously walks over, holding a silver-coloured staff tightly.
"May I?" she asks hesitantly, indicating the unconscious forms, "I was trained in the healing arts" she offers after a moment. She begins to chant after a moment, eyeing Fenrys cautiously. White light shines on the two forms. Soon after the chanting ends, Alina slumps slightly, using the silvery staff as a support. She waits for a few minutes, until Ethel and Erwin are somewhat more alert.
"I am still a novice however, but I do want to get better at my magic, would you accept my aid until you choose to part ways with me? I hope to return to Arion and go back to the cathedral and study," she finishes, looking hopefully at the three of you.

[LummyNess]

and with a slight cough as air fills her lungs. 'Thank you, my dear I am in your debt' Ethel stands and curtsies 'Please allow me to introduce myself, I am the Magician, Ethel Magnatosh, pleased to make your acquaintance... Terribly sorry I don't believe I got your name yet?' Waits eagerly to find out the name of her savior.


Turns to Fenryr 'Thank you Fenryr, you seem most competent in battle'

[Icilia]

"I am most humbled to meet you, Miss Ethel. I am still very sorry I could not have been more help while you all risked your lives." Still tired, she attempts a half bow to each of the three before her.

"Real not problem. I is Fenryr, last of pack. You was look too clean for bandit beorc, so was talk you. We walk to Arion, hunt more bandit." Fenryr says the last remark with a slight smile. He then scratches his wyvern under the chin, "And this being Malicathe, friend and mount."

[naylz_93]

"I be thanking you for the healing, me name be Erwin." As he offers his hand to Alina as a gesture of greeting. "Where be the bandits coming from, and how they be capturing you do tell" Erwin enquires as he examines the bodies of bandits for any loot

[Icilia]

Alina bows slightly at the offered handshake, but does not return it. As Erwin begins to loot the bodies, she turns away slightly. "Uhm, well I was travelling towards Arion a few weeks ago with a hired escort. Unfortunately, my escort was taken by suprise by the bandits, and they slew him before a word could be said. The took me as a hostage, believing that they could ransom me. That would never have happened, so I am most thankful for my rescuse Mr. Fenryr, Mr. Erwin and Miss Ethel. Please, if you will have me, I... I would liketo join all of you." Alina bows deeply, remaining still until someone speaks otherwise.

Fenryr looks at the other two, a mixture of concern and confusion on his face.

[Aryadnae]

The best that you find on these bodies that could possibly be sold, is a couple of bronze weapons. A pair of swords and an axe. If you could all roll perception for me please.

You see a faintly beaten trail leading away from your current position, possibly where these bandits come from?

You see nothing out of the ordinary

[LummyNess]

to Alina she smiles and then states to group 'A Cleric would be most advantageous to our course, that said I feel it is ultimately Fenryr's decision. He was after all the one who took the initiative and saved you'

Feeling slightly devalued Ethel eagerly looks for clues in hopes of securing information on more bandits and their whereabouts. (see OC for roll)

'If you wish to take the possessions from those we have slain, it would be prudent for you to do so with young Alina well out of sight. And you WILL be considerate to Alina wont you?' the devil himself couldn't produce a more cunning smile.

[Icilia]

"I no have problem Alina be with us. She make good fixing you." Fenryr adds a nod to the end of the sentence.""But we be finish hunt bandit. Trail go that way." Fenryr points of towards the distance.

Alina spends this time bowing and thanking all before her.

[Aryadnae]

(Remember, those of you who fell in the last battle are suffering from a -1 to all Attributes for the next five days).

Deciding to follow the tracks, you see that they lead off towards what you believe to be an abandoned fort. Unfortunately for you, the remaining bandits seem to have been expecting trouble, as all doors seem to be shut. A few men seem to be acting as lookouts and raise the alarm with a shout before returning inside. It seems, that a battle is about to break out. Alina looks worried as she steps closer to Malicathe, seeming to hope that the wyvern will allow her to hide.

(Please continue to the roll20 site for combat)

[Icilia]

"Everyone okay? Alina? New Guy? Ethel?... Erwin?... Okay, they not well. Uhm, fix Alina?"

Alina quickly nods, restoring Ethel, and then Erwin to consciousness. The young cleric is deeply concerned with how close she came to combat. Fenryr quickly helps Ethel to her feet.

"We should go now. Not safe. New guy, join us? Seem friending of Ethel."


Fenryr watches Franz darting around, striking at wooden figures. He shakes his head and steps forward.

"Stop pull blow. Never cut down prey with little strike. Be big, strike hard. Like this..." Fenryr whirls around, smashing a figure to pieces with a single swing. "See? Much better for kill."

[LummyNess]

'I suppose I could stick around your group for a while. it does seem to be profitable after all.'

Ethel makes a request 'now that the Bandits have been dealt with I insist that we avoid conflict for at least a week, now if you'll excuse me I must go find Alina'

on the outskirts of the camp Ethel finds Alina almost pacing. [C rating Support]
'a..ahm, Alina my dear are you alright? did the battle worry you? Please don't be concerned I'll make sure no Bandit will hurt you ever again.' pulling Alina in for a Hug

[Icilia]

"Understand. Rest hurts, fight better"

"I'm... Uhm... Fine... Really..." Alina mumbles through the hug. "I do not know why you are so concerned about me, as you were the one who whom was injured. If I had tried harder, I could have helped."

[Aryadnae]

(Right, first of, apologies for being so damn lazy. Moving on...)

It takes you all about five days to reach Arion, the roads are mostly quiet. It seems as if word has reached some of the other bandit groups to stay away from you all. However, it does strike you all as being too quiet. Roll perceptions please.

You see signs of at least ten people following your small group.

You do not see anything out of the ordinary as you travel.

(Don't forget, you can ask to make skill rolls at any time if you believe they are needed.)

If you choose to go straight to Arion, you will find yourselves welcomed into the large city with open arms as you show your letter from the Archduke. Those of you who are injured, you may go back one step on the condition track.