|
|
Post by Admin on Sept 14, 2013 22:22:11 GMT
The village of Scalo Est emerges from the forest gradually, as deep woods gives way rolling hills of pastures and farmland. However, there is a noteworthy difference in many of these fields, as there are few animals and even fewer people tending to them. Much of the properties are overgrown and ill-maintained as nature reclaims them from human agriculture. The village square lies towards the center of the roads, and ramshackle fortifications and barricades surround the central square. A Catholic church stands in the center of the settlement, with shops and larger homes on other sides of the central plaza. The remnants of a Roman aqueduct vanish into a nearby hill. The defenders of the village include both men and women, the young and old villagers formed into a makeshift militia. The heads of brigands and skeletons are seen mounted on pikes as the party approaches, and guard dogs begin barking. The crossbows and spears turn towards the new arrivals as a sentry cries out from a rooftop. "Who are you?" he calls out. "Friend or foe to our village?"
|
|
|
|
Post by sternold on Sept 14, 2013 23:41:29 GMT
"My name Orgoth Bloodhelm, son of Aslow Bloodhelm," Orgoth proclaims, "And am no friend no foe. We like enter town to find evidence." He holds his axe low, as to show that he means no harm[diplomacy], but is ready to defend himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by tengen on Sept 15, 2013 4:50:51 GMT
She raises an eyebrow at Orgoths diplomatic skills, but decides to give a hand by stepping forward with the palms of her hands clearly visible a demure smile crossing her face as she looks on at the militia. Azreal as its norm stands behind her ready for trouble but keeps its weapon sheathed.
"I am Alicia Moon, we have no wish to cause trouble."she says stepping forward and gently motioning for Orgoth to lower his weapon more in the process.
"We learned of your plight and have come to bring aid"[Aid in Diplomacy] She says glancing up at the pikes.
|
|
|
|
Post by jon on Sept 15, 2013 10:47:38 GMT
Hans stands extremely still with his hands entwined at chest height, smiling earnestly at the rooftops, and nodding occasionally as the others speak. He ponders the merit of bringing up the lost shipment of spice. Maybe later when fewer crossbows are involved....
|
|
|
|
Post by teodoro on Sept 15, 2013 14:35:40 GMT
Teo is visibly shaken by the various decapitated heads. He has seen his share of gore and blood in his travels, but nothing so gruesome and cruel.
After hearing Alicia speak, he tries to pull himself together. He yells out "Yes, we're hear to assist. Matteo Anafesto of Venice has sent us!"
|
|
|
|
Post by elgeon on Sept 15, 2013 23:10:18 GMT
Elgeon doesn't move or say anything. He just pulls down the hood he usually wears when traveling, with a calm movement.
|
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Sept 16, 2013 4:28:15 GMT
[Total Diplomancy roll: 18]
"Anafesto?" the sentry is taken back. "That fat, greedy bastardo finally sends a few mercenaries. Tell me, how did you make it down the road alive? None of our messengers made it!"
"Stand down," comes an old woman's voice from the crowd.
"Yes, Mrs. Perin!" Almost instantaneously, the spears and crossbows drop. "Can you not feel the magical aura of this group?" She glances at Orgoth for a split second. "Well, most of them."
The woman steps towards the group, flanked by armored soldiers on each side. She wears the ornate robes of a noblewoman, but tears and dirt have ruined the garment. Despite her ruined attire, the woman walks forwards with spring in her step as she holds a quarterstaff. "If these are mercenaries, then perhaps they can help us," she whistles. "We're stretched thin with these bandit raids, and the hot spring that provides our water has stopped flowing."
A tall human man with olive skin and jet black hair walks forwards, tattered gray cloth barely clinging to his worn armor. "Aldeus helped organize the village militia after the bandits killed my husband, the Mayor," she pointed him out. "Now, we've stored enough supplies, but we cannot last long without water. We will reward you with weapons and magic items if you can bring our water back."
Perin points to the ruined Roman aqueduct nearby. "There is a tunnel through that old aqueduct, which connects to a hot spring on the other side of the hill. I do not know if the bandits are to blame. Aldeus thinks they are, and are trying to demoralize us. So, what say you?"
Aldeus looks at the party, waiting for a response.
|
|
|
|
Post by jon on Sept 16, 2013 11:17:30 GMT
Slightly surprised that the verbal exchange didn't end up in bloodshed, Hans relaxes, his ears perking at the mention of a reward.
"I am ever so sorry to here about you husband Mrs Perin", says Hans respectfully, "I am certain that our group will do its best to aid you and the very deserving citizens of Scalo Est. I have been witness to their abilities and they have ably dealt with two groups of the wretched thieves."
Hans pauses for an appropriate amount of time before adding, "Oh, and not that it is important, but what sort of magical items?" Hans looks inquisitively at Mrs Perin trying to gauge whether this reward is actually too good to be true [sense motive].
|
|
|
|
Post by teodoro on Sept 16, 2013 17:40:47 GMT
Hans seems to be playing at a casual interest in Mrs. Perin's offer of magical items.
Teo's interest is anything but casual. He is also not well-adapted to cloaking this interest.
When he hears her mention this reward of magical items, Teo's eyes seem to widen, shining a brighter yellow than normal. He focuses all attention (a difficult feat) on Mrs. Perin as he waits for her response to Hans's question.
He is somewhat disappointed they won't be dealing with the necromancer first. Although he is sympathetic to the plight of the town and its people, water blockages are much less intriguing than the recent dark magic he's seen.
|
|
|
|
Post by elgeon on Sept 16, 2013 18:19:07 GMT
The ranger observes the scene, but holds back from participating and tries to not draw too much attention. He has learned throughout his life, that half-elves are not received all that well, and these people seem wary enough already.
Listening to the request of Mrs. Perin, he turns his eyes to the sky, trying to judge whether there's enough time to deal with this in the same day. Helping the village seems imperative, but they also should not lose too much time here.
|
|
|
|
Post by aldeus on Sept 16, 2013 19:39:40 GMT
Aldeus fixes his eyes on the party in front of him. This diminutive lot is working for some scab named Anafesto? Aldeus is wary of fighting alongside those with different motivations and wants to rally everyone behind a common cause.
"So you are being paid by Anafesto to do what? Remember, my concerns are those of Mrs. Perin alone. Time will prove whether your value is measured by the relief you bring to this town, or by the height of your pike warning the next group that may enter this village."
Aldeus pauses for a moment, realizing the direction his "rally" went, then proudly stiffens his stance and turns his gaze back to Mrs. Perin.
|
|
|
|
Post by sternold on Sept 16, 2013 20:12:35 GMT
While the town was wary, Orgoth didn't feel like he was disliked. He was a strong warrior that, for the right amount of gold, could help this town a lot. There was no way they would threaten him, he thought, certainly in their current state. And yet one guy does. Orgoth stares at him with squinted eyes, then walks up to him and grabs him by the collar. "you threat us, Dolboeb?" He snarls at Aldeus. "You better watch your tongue, mudak." Orgoth then throws him to the ground and backs away.
|
|
|
|
Post by aldeus on Sept 16, 2013 20:49:42 GMT
[ i imagine Orgoth just grabbed at Aldeus, as opposed to successfully grappling and throwing him to the ground? ]
Aldeus attempts to dodge out of the way of Orgoth's grasp.
|
|
|
|
Post by henwen88 on Sept 16, 2013 20:52:31 GMT
Leath laughs as Orgoth throws the militia leader into the dirt. The orc's violence has begun to amuse him, and here it was nonlethal, so there was no harm done. Orgoth had tried to be diplomatic, and this Aldeus had pushed him too far. Leath clenches his fists in case Aldeus retaliates against the party, but would rather avoid a needless confrontation at this point. Their mission was already going to potentially be sidetracked due to this water request, which would push back their search for the necromancer.
|
|
|
|
Post by sternold on Sept 16, 2013 21:09:10 GMT
(OOC it wasn't done for damage or anything, just to intimidate, so no it wasn't grappling.)
|
|
