Paths of Legend: The Azgundi Tournaments - Page 5

Helfdan · 12th November 2008, 03:10 AM

Valen will firstly head to the Tureni embassy, and inform the highest-ranking ranger there of his intention to compete for the lordship of Silvergard. Other than that, he means to practice weapons with Muzdum, spend time with Aleera, and of course, discuss any unusual events with Johen.

Voda Vosa · 12th November 2008, 01:09 PM

Muzdum spends his time polishing his art with the hammer and the crossbow. He offered to practice wrestling with Aohdan, but the centaur suggested something about how uncomfortable it was to fight knelled.
Muzdum will spend the nights drinking with Alaric, and having one or two occasional tavern fights, of course not provoked by him. Who could have thought that slamming a chair in a man's back was consider an offense by those humans? Anyway, the dwarf had to hit him hard, when he was complaining about the chair. And the man's friends were not happy about that. Wacky humans, how could they be upset? Muzdum had to broke the face of one of them, before the others swarmed against him. Wine bottles flying, chairs breaking on peoples backs, smacking and whacking, it was a glorious tavern fight!
From his 'superior' hight, Muzdum had to hit stomaches before punching faces, but he didn't care about those little inconveniences, he was just happy to punch and been punched in that festival of Chaos.
When he was not practicing with Valen, chating with Aohdan or drinking with Alaric; Muzdum tended to his small blacksmith.

Shayuri · 12th November 2008, 01:50 PM

Shayuri absorbs that information thoughtfully. The established lordships would have more to offer in terms of amenities, but the newly carved ones would probably be less vied for and thus easier to win. A wicked, resentful streak surfaced in her though, and she reached over the table and tapped the name of one of the freshly created parcels of land.

Let her father be the noble of untamed land, and have to work for his bread after all! She could simply cede it to him and then go teach at the academy. Or make him seneschal and rule in absentia.

It would serve him right.

Her choice made, Shayuri nods at the election official and hovers not far from Alaric, watching and envying his close ties with the large group of people. She was far from home here and suddenly felt terribly isolated.

Well before their socializing is done, Shayuri has taken her leave and gone to occupy herself before answering the Lady Dawn's call.

(OOC - Shay's actions may depend on what happens with the Lady, so I'd like to resolve that before declaring.

)

Yttermayn · 12th November 2008, 02:28 PM

His suggestions not taken concerning the stealthy party members spying on the mercenary, Aohdan keeps an eye out for him. He dosn't directly spy, just wants to get an idea where to find the guy should he need to. He spends the rest of his time either hanging out with Muzdum, or exploring the Azgundi city.

Amaury · 12th November 2008, 08:10 PM

Whilst talking to the assistant, Johen tries to see who apart from his two companions had registered for Silvergard. If there no list he simply asks.

Then Johen accompanies Valen to the Tureni embassy more to meet Tureni compatriots than anything else.

He then heads to the Adventurers Guild, to the Tavern, to try and meet other Druids but also to understand more about the Lords giving up their lordship and possible political conflicts. In particular, he tries to understand if anyone or any Lord is interested in the Silvergard plateau.

Scott DeWar · 14th November 2008, 02:08 AM

Renaldo returns back from being in line at the tournament sign in sheet to the Manse of Lord and Lady d'Anovia, sees his friend Dominc and greets him, "Hail good friend! How is our charge, Lady Nineveh d'Anovia, doing? Well i hope?"

Arkhandus · 14th November 2008, 09:46 AM

Alaric takes some of his comrades from the Silvergard investigation out drinking at the Adventurer's Guild tavern, but apparently many of them aren't up for it. He ignores it as just them being too busy. If he sees Shayuri skulking about nearby, at some point along the way to the tavern or in there, he'll invite her to join them for a drink, as a little 'welcome to Azgund.'

But he makes sure not to get too drunk to remember his meeting with Lady Dawn de Guare, and gives himself enough time to sober up a bit, clean up, and dress a little better than usual so as not to offend the noble. He uses a simple Prestidigitation to clear away the mild smell of alcohol, and to clean his dusty scholar's outift, which he wears in place of his usual traveling garb.

Before heading out to meet with the Lady Dawn de Guare, he makes sure to leave his backpack and alchemical weapons behind in a safe place, but keeps his dagger, crossbow, bolts, scroll cases, and pouches on his person, just in case. He'd leave the weapons at the door anyway upon arriving, but didn't want to get waylaid by thieves or the like on his way there or back.

Besides those two matters, Alaric just follows a few of his previous adventuring companions around briefly to chat about what's happened since visiting Silvergard.

The rest of the time he just spends near the Academy, sitting outside and sketching out some designs and possible murals on two of his parchment sheets, including designs for the crazy alchemical/magical opening display he had babbled about earlier.

And he works on a small painting out there, cobbling together a temporary easel with his carpentry skills and some....'spare parts' from around town, using one of his parchment sheets, buying a simple paintbrush, and buying a few tiny samples of paint to use. He tries to paint what he remembers of Corath's true form, the Thayvian brass construct called a Nimblewright. The painting turns out kind of muddled and indistinct, but it's been months since he's seen the sentient construct, anyway.

Craft (Painting) of Corath (1d20+4=14)

(ooc: Let me know whatever it costs for him to get a few measly ounces of paint and a cheap little painbrush, and how much he'll spend at the tavern treating Muzdum and company to drinks. He doesn't have a lot of coin left, but it should be enough for a bit of painting and some drinks.)

crazy_monkey1956 · 18th November 2008, 06:48 PM

OOC: Writing Rungner and Lucius out (just not including them in the post sign-up activities of the next two game days) with a door open for their return.

OOC: I'm not going to worry about tracking minor expenses of things like living expenses (unless one gets extravagant) and craft supplies so don't worry about marking off gold for those.

Johen: Silvergard Inquiries

Before leaving the tournament signups, Johen does find out that, in addition to Muzdum, Aohdan, Valen and Alaric, there are seven other names signed up to compete for the Silvergard lordship. Looking into those names reveals that most of them are simple commoners looking to strike it rich with the silver mine. One name, however, is more striking: Shokar Redaxe of the Drukkar. A seven foot towering mountain of muscle, Johen learns that the Drukkari warrior intends to use Silvergard as a staging ground for aggressive strikes into Orcish territory.

Johen finds himself at the Adventurer's Guild tavern, Shokar and his adventuring companions seated nearby. The dour looking barbarian is quietly drinking while the gnome bard of his group regales the room with tales of Shokar's strength and prowess.

Aohdan: On the Trail of the Mercenary

As conspicuous as a centaur is, Aohdan initially has some trouble tracking down the belligerent merc, but a tip from someone at the Adventurer's Guild takes the centaur to the Candle District. Known for its illicit and exotic nightlife, during the day the notorious thoroughfare is eerily quiet and altogether bland and depressing to gaze upon. Aohdan's tipster said that the merc and others like him could be found at the Gentle Repose, an inn that caters to those needing to "sleep it off" in this district.

In the Repose's common room, Aohdan sees the belligerent mercenary among a group of mixed race and similar accoutrement, lounging around the common room's plush furniture. One, a scarred and aged looking half-orc, is standing and dispensing orders, "At least two of us need to sign up for that Silvergard lordship. We make that our base of operations and..."

The half-orc stops talking as the group notes the arrival of the centaur.

Rennaldo: His Lady's Plans

Rennaldo and Dominic are asked to come before their Lady. Nineveh is preparing for a dinner and masquerade ball exclusively for the lords this evening. Her mask currently adorns a mannequin head, the masks green plumes and gem studded tracery offering a less than subtle indication of Anovia's affluence.

Nineveh herself is wearing an elaborate gown of white and silver that accentuates her natural beauty. She smiles as the two swashbucklers enter.

"Gaudy isn't it? Such affectations consume the other lords more so than the governance of their lands. I intend to change that. There will be many who oppose my intentions, some violently.

I have asked the two of you here because you are competing in the tournaments. Be watchful. Listen for my name and pay attention to those uttering it. I will be competing, defending my lordship, in the dueling, jousting, fox hunt, debate and oratory events. Pay close attention to those events and the competitors. Look not only for potential enemies, but allies as well. Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Alaric and Shayuri: Meeting Dawn

Alaric and Shayuri find themselves in a well appointed sitting room, waiting the winged lady's arrival. Dawn does not keep them waiting long as the doors open and the half-angel's light glow, like that of a candle, adds a subtle silvery illumination to the room. Her wings are folded against her back, the feathers brushing either side of the doorway as she enters.

Her solid silver, pupilless eyes gaze at first Shayuri and then Alaric, whatever emotion playing behind them unfathomable.

She sits on a stool, rather than one of the plush chairs and speaks, "Welcome and thank you for coming. Alaric, I am most curious to hear your account of the happenings in Silvergard. I have seen the official reports, but a personal recounting I think would be more enlightening."

Muzdum: Incarceration Revelations

Muzdum awakes in the constable's overnight jail, having been dragged there after a night of barroom brawling. His adversaries of the night before are crowded in around him, some bruised, some merely passed out from too much drink. A pair in the corner of the cell are whispering quietly to themselves, not yet noting the conscious state of the dwarf.

"I'm telling you, that's the dwarf that went to Silvergard."

"Well, there's only one other dark-bearded dwarf I've heard of around here and that's Ironhands. So he must be."

"So, do we tell the boss?"

"Not yet. Let's tail him when we get out and see if we can't get him to lead us to the other Silvergarders. If we can get 'em all, the rewards are all ours."

Valen: The Serpent's Embrace

Valen finds Aleera at the Adventurer's Guild compound and the two spend a quiet day together. That evening, Aleera takes Valen to the elven embassy, a copse of forest in the middle of the bustling city.

The trees and natural scenery almost blocks out the noise of the city...but not completely. Aleera finds a secluded corner and sits on the ground, looking up at the ranger.

"I feel out of place here...like I don't belong among my own kind...but it was the only place I could think of where we would be safe from prying ears and eyes.

I've heard rumors...rumors that the Dagger has turned up in the city somewhere and...I can feel it. Somehow, I can sense it. I'm frightened, Valen."

Voda Vosa · 18th November 2008, 08:16 PM

Without his armor, the dwarf was more stealthy than he would ever imagine. He sneaks near the two guys, and grab one from the back.
"Ah so ye be wantin' this dwarf? Here ye have him worms! Now ye better tell me who are ye talkin' about before Ah' snap yer necks! Who be wantin' information about me?! Speak!"

actions

Amaury · 18th November 2008, 11:54 PM

Johen listens to as much as he can of the bard's story and checks the companions of the Drukkari barbarian
to guess their competences and motives.
If his knowledge of the Drukkari and he feels they are not too much a bunch of ruffians, Johen will want
to check whether they could make allies in the future should one of his companions win the Lordship.

He steps in quietly, stroking Highflyer before bowing slightly as he introduces himself: "Gentlemen, my name is Johen.
I am a servant of Dame Nature and come from the High Forest in Turen.
I hear that you intend to compete for the Lordship of Silvergard and that you intend to fight the orc tribes overthere.
This is a most noble and challenging goal but.. and please don't be offended, I am curious as to how you intend to achieve this?
Have you got the backing of other Lords, some allies or gold to raise an army?
I have been to the Plateau and seen what there is overthere. The task is truly immense Gentlemen."

OOC:
johen will continue his discussion to sense what these guys are about, potential allies or foes, and whether they have powerful backing somehow.
know geo or appropriate on Drukkari (1d20+2=12)
Diplomacy (1d20+2=22)

bedford · 19th November 2008, 01:40 PM

Rungner wastes no time getting to the closest inn. He then orders a couple of steaks and some tankards of mead.

Scott DeWar · 20th November 2008, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazymonkey

]Rennaldo: His Lady's Plans

Rennaldo and Dominic are asked to come before their Lady. Nineveh is preparing for a dinner and masquerade ball exclusively for the lords this evening. Her mask currently adorns a mannequin head, the masks green plumes and gem studded tracery offering a less than subtle indication of Anovia's affluence.

Nineveh herself is wearing an elaborate gown of white and silver that accentuates her natural beauty. She smiles as the two swashbucklers enter.

"Gaudy isn't it? Such affectations consume the other lords more so than the governance of their lands. I intend to change that. There will be many who oppose my intentions, some violently.

I have asked the two of you here because you are competing in the tournaments. Be watchful. Listen for my name and pay attention to those uttering it. I will be competing, defending my lordship, in the dueling, jousting, fox hunt, debate and oratory events. Pay close attention to those events and the competitors. Look not only for potential enemies, but allies as well. Now, do you have any questions for me?"

Renaldo is agast at the visage of the mask, but will do his darn best to hide his feelings. at the mention of the events his lady intends to partidipate in, he stands with his mouth slightly agape. Visisons of all that could go wrong flash before his eyes before he speaks. "mi'lady permission to speak freely?"

Helfdan · 21st November 2008, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy_monkey1956

Valen: The Serpent's Embrace

Valen finds Aleera at the Adventurer's Guild compound and the two spend a quiet day together. That evening, Aleera takes Valen to the elven embassy, a copse of forest in the middle of the bustling city.

The trees and natural scenery almost blocks out the noise of the city...but not completely. Aleera finds a secluded corner and sits on the ground, looking up at the ranger.

"I feel out of place here...like I don't belong among my own kind...but it was the only place I could think of where we would be safe from prying ears and eyes.

I've heard rumors...rumors that the Dagger has turned up in the city somewhere and...I can feel it. Somehow, I can sense it. I'm frightened, Valen."

Valen's tender expression at her initial statements suddenly turns hard as flint. "The Dagger? Here? Where did you hear this?"

Shayuri · 21st November 2008, 08:31 AM

And this has what, exactly, to do with me? Shayuri wonders, a little irritated, a little worried. I'm not even competing for that province.

Still...hearing about the fate of Silvergard from the mouth of one who'd been there...that would be something worth spending some of her time to hear tell.

She gives Alaric a querulous look and waits for him to start.

Yttermayn · 22nd November 2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy_monkey1956

Aohdan: On the Trail of the Mercenary

In the Repose's common room, Aohdan sees the belligerent mercenary among a group of mixed race and similar accoutrement, lounging around the common room's plush furniture. One, a scarred and aged looking half-orc, is standing and dispensing orders, "At least two of us need to sign up for that Silvergard lordship. We make that our base of operations and..."

The half-orc stops talking as the group notes the arrival of the centaur.

Aohdan pauses near the doorway a moment to scan the room, making no effort to hide what he is doing. He then picks his way up to the barkeep. He asks tiredly "I've been looking all night. Do you have a tankard large enough for me to use as a great helm?"

Arkhandus · 24th November 2008, 01:19 AM

Alaric ponders for a few moments, on what he should tell Lady Dawn. Especially with that foreigner here. What could he say?

Finally, he settles on "Well....myself and a few other folk went to check out the Silvergard plateau some months ago, on behalf of the Adventurers' Guild. Some otherworldly forces seem to be interfering with Silvergard, or trying to, and we had to fight off a few strangers that wanted to stop anyone heading to Silvergard. Or maybe they just wanted t' stop us because of an item we carried, that was supposed to get sealed away in Silvergard. They appeared outta nowhere, fought us, then disappeared after we defeated 'em."

He continues a moment later, "And we faced some undead obstacles along the way, but it turns out that someone or something is raising an undead army to fight the forces what tried t' invade Silvergard. Apparently, the folk of Silvergard gave up their own lives as part o' this, to fight the otherworldly menace or something like that. So now everyone what used t' live in Silvergard is undead now, ghosts I guess, sealing off some powerful enemy."

He lets the ladies digest this for a minute before adding, "Vedlund's stone quarry is another place what went all undead on us, so I guess they might be contributing t' Silvergard somehow, but I dunno. Anyway, we were set up by receivin' that item I mentioned a moment ago, which we were apparently supposed t' seal away among the ghosts o' Silvergard."

"Instead it just brought us trouble, an' corrupted one of our group, who ran off with the item when we reached Silvergard. Now that one's possessed an' running around with a dangerous artifact. The artifact might be needed t' kill what the ghosts are holding back, or it might just need to be sealed away there too." he says.

crazy_monkey1956 · 26th November 2008, 03:26 AM

OOC: Lucius is again not included in this week's update.

Alaric and Shayuri: Revelations

Dawn listens patiently and attentively. When Alaric finishes, she ponders for several moments, before asking, "Did you, perchance, encounter someone named Azilyk?"

Meanwhile, Shayuri hears Dawn's voice in her thoughts, "I must apologize for the intrusion. I am not sure, yet, that I can fully trust those who journeyed to Silvergard. Not because they are untrustworthy but because they may have come under the influence of a terrible evil known as Azilyk. I asked you here to ask a favor of you. Watch them. Find out what Alaric is hiding and why. Will you do this?"

Aohdan: Recruitment

The barkeep looks at Aohdan quizzically and is about to respond when the belligerent mercenary from the line speaks up, "Hey! You're the horse's ass from the line."

The old half-orc shushes him and stands, his bones creaking, "Ain't never seen a centaur before. We could use someone like you."

The belligerent mercenary growls and turns on the half-orc, "What? He's one of the freaks that got me booted from the line!"

The half-orc snarls back, "Ye got yourself booted, Jeb, now sit yer arse down before I carve it off of you." He turns to Aohdan, a hideous smile revealing missing teeth, with those that are present cracked and blackened, "Don't mind Jeb. So, what do you think? You interested in joining a mercenary company. I swear there's plenty of riches in it for you."

Valen: Revealed

Aleera looks around quickly to make sure no one is nearby, then pulls Valen close and speaks in a barely audible whisper, her breath tickling the ranger's ear, "The dragon, Shraezek, is at the new Arcane Academy. One of the group I was with when you met me is here and told me that the wizard Entan is researching a cure for the dragon's illness. He also mentioned that the shadow knights are worried that the dagger is here."

Renaldo: Relunctance

Lady Nineveh is quiet a moment then nods, "Of course."

Dominic shifts uncomfortably and looks at Renaldo as if to say, "What are you doing?"

Rungner: Rending

As the half-ogre enjoys his meal, the other patrons give him a wide berth, intimidating by his sheer physical presence. All but one. A halfling, nervous and gaunt, hasn't noticed the giant in the room. Instead, he is focused on an object in his lap, though Rungner can't see what it might be.

Johen: Repercussions

Shokar stands and bows to the druid, "You honor me with your presence, druid of Turen."

He offers Johen a seat and then sits himself, "Yes, it is true, I intend to wipe the orcs off the map. I will chase them into the warrens where they breed and utterly destory the entire vile race. Worry not about how I will achieve such a goal for I intend to move my entire tribe to the plateau when I win the lordship. The redaxe tribe will stand strong with me as its new chief."

Muzdum: Release

The man is taken off guard and squirms in the dwarf's grip as he pleads, "I don't know, I don't know! We never saw them up close. Just hoods and shadows. Said they worked for the Serpent! That's all I know, I swear!"

The guards bang on the bars at that moment, "Hey! Break it up or you'll spend another day in here. Get your things and get out." The guard unlocks the cell door and opens it up.

Yttermayn · 27th November 2008, 04:58 AM

Aohdan turns his torso to look at the mercenary. He slaps himself on the rump and quips "That's smart ass to you, buddy!" He clucks his cheek like a cowboy and winks.
Aohdan turns back to the barkeep and mimes turning over a giant tankard above his head and donning it like a helmet. After a moment it is clear the barkeep can't help and he shrugs and walks over toward the old orc. "I can always use more coin. What do you have in mind?"

Scott DeWar · 27th November 2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Renaldo: Relunctance

Lady Nineveh is quiet a moment then nods, "Of course."

Dominic shifts uncomfortably and looks at Renaldo as if to say, "What are you doing?"

Renaldo gives dominic a reassuring smile, then turns to Lady Nineveh and (since he has never asked to speak freely with her: ) *gulp*

"Mi' Lady, you know i have nothing but the greatest respect for your honor, wisdom and forsight. However, how do we know that the tournament weapons have not been tampered with. I am sure i would not be able to get to you in the middle of a fencing duel if i suspect that your life is in immediate peril. How do we know the judges have not been coerced, guards bribed. what intellegence has been gatherd about the possible opponants to the house and do we have measures against snipers?"

The sweat beads on his forhead shows he is obviously nervous about how he is being forward in his questions, but this is the the life of his charge, and he will not be accused of not caring for the life of another ... ever.

Amaury · 27th November 2008, 10:18 PM

OOC: the 7 "R".. is it a mystery game?

Johen listens to the barbarian and nods before saying: "I understand. This would indeed be a powerful backing. A whole tribe.. The Plateau would be a better place indeed.
But, let's assume a remote possibility, the one that sees someone else succeed in winning the Lordship of Silvergard... That could happen. What would you then do?
Would you be interested in pursuing the same goal with your tribe and ally with that Lord?"

Once he gets his answer, Johen recommands to Shokar to stay on his guard and gives him his blessings. He makes sure to know where the barbarian stays for the duration of the tournament.

He then leaves Shokar's group and try to find information about the Redaxe tribe somewhere within the Adventurers Guild premises.