A Merc's Life: Howl of the Carrion King [01]

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 22, 2009

It's a dark and stormy night . . . the dark of the moon on the first day of Sarenith and the first day of Summer as well. Though it is impossible to tell, this night, that the moon is dark. The cloud cover is complete and the rain is coming down in sheets, making it impossible to see farther than fifteen or twenty feet down what passes for streets in the Scóg Bocht, the Poor District of Saor Ghabháltas.

Each of you met earlier in the afternoon with Bronágh Tadhg, the Commander (and owner) of Bronágh's Bees. The Bees are a relatively small Mercenary Corps with a reputation for excellence in their area of expertise - scouting, light cavalry and mounted light infantry (scouts and skirmishers).

Commander Tadhg is a Tiefling Paladin who worked his way up through the ranks of the Bees, finally buying out the former commander and taking the leadership about 10 years ago. Rumor has it he was recruited off the streets by the former commander as a child, and that he wasn't always a Paladin.

After a nerve wracking interview - the Commander wasn't unfriendly at all, just scrupulous and very thorough - you were each made the following offer:

The Bees offer to pay for your Bond for a year, during which time you will work for them as a member of their Corps. You will be members of a five man squad assigned as 'irregulars.' You're assignments will be scouting and reconnaissance for the most part, though 'other duties' may be expected of you on occasion.

As a member of the Bees, you will be entitled to Merc billeting and resupply of basic items free of charge from the stores at any Mercenaries' Guildhouse. Pay is a gold piece a day, plus any loot specified in the contract the Bees are filling with your services; however, the Bees get 10% of that loot (half of which goes to the Guild).

You were told that you'd have the night to consider the offer, and told that the other prospective members of your team could be found in the Scóg Bocht at an inn called The Ruffled Feathers should you desire to meet them before making your decision. You are not told where to find the inn, or the names or descriptions of your prospective teammates. You are told that there is another Merc outfit that has had some . . . disagreements . . . with the Bees recently. It is possible that some of them will be at The Ruffled Feathers, as it is The Wolfhounds' turn to rotate through as Garda (Wardens).

Commander Tadhg will be awaiting your decision at first light on the morrow.

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 22, 2009

The Scóg Bocht

The Poor District of Saor Ghabháltas is a very densely populated maze of (somewhat) ramshackle buildings and very narrow streets. The people here live cheek by jowl with each other, and usually in the same building where they keep their shops.

This District of the city is almost impossible to navigate unless one is native to it, and even the locals are usually only familiar with the immediate area in which they live and work. However, there is an organization of Guides who keep members posted on many corners and in quite a few of the inns and shops. Each is familiar with a relatively small area of the District, and will happily escort patrons either to their destination or to a Guide in the area next closer to their destination (who will then perform the same service) for a fee of two copper pennies.

[sblock=Finding Your Way]Locating a particular 'address,' shop or business in the Scóg Bocht requires a Knowledge (Local - Saor Ghabháltas) check w/ a DC of 30. Alternatively, you may purchase the services of the Guides' Guild (possibly to be re-named later) for two copper pieces.[/sblock]

renau1g · Apr 22, 2009

Aodhán Gawain - Dwarf Cleric

Aodhán shakes the hand of the Commander firmly after receiving the offer, "I'll consider this over a glass of ale. Thanks" he says on the way out.

He walks out of the meeting attempting to hide the wide smile on his face at the fortune, a new group of so-called irregulars? This seemed like fate, if anything, to his mind. He had no intention of turning down the captain, and wasn't motivated by wealth, so didn't wish to haggle their contract, however he had to make a show of considering things, not wanting to come across as desperate. Whispering a prayer to Lonrach, the dwarven cleric adjusted his travelling cloak and backpack, before heading to the Scóg Bocht.

Once there, he will gladly (and wisely) pay the copper coins to the guide, imagining one could could lose far more than just some pennies if one wandered into the wrong street.

Upon arriving at his destination, Aodhán gives another copper coin to his guide as a tip and turns to head inside. Pushing through the wooden door, the cleric surveys the room, seeing if anyone sticks out as a potential member of this potential new group. He decides to grab a table with enough room for the five members, in case they show up. He orders a pitcher of ale and five glasses.

[sblock=Description of Aodhán]
The dwarf is tall (at least as far as his kind goes) standing nearly 4 and 1/2 feet tall and a relatively narrow build. He doesn't wear a helmet and his head is bald. The skin is tanned and rough, indicating time spent in hard labour. He sports a dark brown beard, neatly trimmed and well kempt. The dwarf wears a symbol of the Pantheon around his neck, drapping it on his dark scale armour. Leaning on the chair next to him is a large wooden shield in rather good condition, barely showing any signs of use. A shiny, polished axe is strapped to his hip and you can tell its of the finest quality.
[/sblock]

Leif · Apr 22, 2009

Houwlou Groulenas, Olcán Ranger, AC 17/16/13, HP 21/21

Houwlou will begin my putting his exceptionally keep senses to work, listening and scenting about for taverns by the raucous noise and smells of freshly cooked food. 1d20+5=11 But, having little luck with that, Houwlou quickly abandons that plan and hires a guide. (For 2cp, right?)

When he arrives at the Ruffled Feathers, Houwlou thanks his guide and enters, not knowing precisely who or what he is looking for. Fancying himself the crafty hunter, however, he scans tables not too far from the door with fewer people than chairs, looking in particular for anyone who looks somewhat 'expectant,' for lack of a better word.

Scotley · Apr 22, 2009

Keeland Iuthar Áilleacht (Elf) Bard

The sodden Áilleacht trudges through the rain trying desperately to keep his bowstring and lute strings dry with his threadbare cloak. He cluthes the empty pouch once last time in a futile attempt to find a coin or two. He'd been walking the streets for hours looking for The Ruffled Feathers. He'd tried asking a couple of guides but without even a measly two coppers to his name he was rebuffed. Finally he found a sheltered overhang on a street where there is some traffic. Putting out his hat he tunes up his lute and begins to sturm a popular tune...

OOC: Perform check (1d20+7=20)

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 22, 2009

The Ruffled Feathers - Aodhán

Aodhán enters the ramshackle building indicated by his young guide and takes a quick look around. The Ruffled Feathers is dimly lit and raucously noisy, the room crowded with fighting types in all shapes and colors drinking, playing darts and dice and (occasionally) getting a little out of hand as someone wins or loses more than the others at the game think they should.

The best he can do for a table is a trestle with room for three or four more people around him; shrugging nonchalantly, he orders his pitcher and glasses and settles in to wait and watch the crowd.

[sblock=Aodhán]Make a Perception and a Sense Motive check, sir.[/sblock]

Leif · Apr 22, 2009

Houwlou Groulenas, Olcán Ranger, AC 17/16/13, HP 21/21

OOC: Never mind. I jumped the gun, sorry.

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 22, 2009

The Ruffled Feathers - Houwlou

Houwlou's keen nose readily identifies many places that fairly reek of ale and meat and his ears are assaulted by sounds that make the thundering rain sound almost peaceful each time he opens a door. Finally giving in to frustration and a sense of urgency, he accepts the fourth offer for guidance through the Poor District and parts with his 2 copper pennies.

His guide, a street urchin in her pre-teen years, walks him fearlessly up one block and over two and delivers him to the Ruffled Feathers. Stepping quickly in out of the driving rain, the Olcán gives a quick shake. The water spraying off his fur is hardly noticed by those closest to the door.

He looks around expectantly, but the room is crowded with raucous people of all sorts and there's nothing obvious at first glance to set any one of them apart from the others.

[sblock=Houwlou]Make a Perception and a Sense Motive check, if you please![/sblock]

Maidhc O Casain · Apr 22, 2009

The Ruffled Feathers - Keeland

The young Áilleacht outdoes himself - an exceptional performance that would certainly have drawn a nice crowd were it not for the weather. After a half an hour of playing, the young urchin leaning casually on the wall across the street pushes off and strolls insouciantly across to Keeland.

"Oh, give over won't you? The song's fair enough I suppose but you're never going to earn coin on a night like tonight. I suppose I could show you to a place you might could play for a bite and a place to lay your head, if only to get you to leave my corner in peace."