Arcana Evolved: The Tale of the Crystal Princess

grufflehead · Aug 1, 2010

'Shush my dear' said the old sibeccai to Gilda. 'Everything is going to be fine. I've...had a few words with the captain, and he seems happy that those 3 are going to tag along with the soldiers. I must confess, I'm not too happy about the whole thing, but it seems to be the lesser of two evils, so I'm going too; see if these old bones are good for anything any more...'. For a moment, he looked like a tired, frail old man.

'Once we're gone, you'll have to tell the villagers to prepare as best they can. If the captain is right, and this Lord Ironheart character really is as wicked as he says, you may yet have to run. For now, it's time to show everyone the decisive young girl that used to come to my magical theory class and tell me I'd got the formula for turning cloth into butterflies wrong. You and Ferd need to plan on how to get everyone safely away should the worst come to it'. He put a consoling hand on her shoulder and gave her a toothy smile. 'If anyone can do it, you can'.

Dr Simon · Aug 5, 2010

In The Army Now

Shortly after dawn Captain Steiglistz gathers his men and his new recruits. Dew glistens on the leftovers of the wedding party as the captain inspects his men with a self-satisfied smirk on his face. This drops when he meets the Professor's eye, and he turns away muttering.

There is no sign of Gilda and Ferd; the young bride had agreed solemnly to her old teacher's advice the previous night. Gruffle knew that the young couple would do what they could.

As the column moves out, Targas walks with the infantry, amongst the other new recruits, his bearing displays his experience over the raw conscripts. The others ride in the wagon, out of deference to size or age, although Seelia is quite capable of keeping up on the wing.

As the day continues, the rising sun burns off the dew and the morning chill, turning into the yellow heat of a summer noon. Along the dusty road, more troops join the column; other recruiters who have been to the smaller villages. A few men here, a few there, until by late afternoon there are probably an extra hundred or so souls being dragged off to fight for Rosen County.

As the day turns into balmy gloaming, the recruits arrive at camp, first seen spread out on a mead below a slight rise in the road. A vast sea of white canvas, now lit by cooking fires. Even at this distance, Zephyr's whiskers twitch as his attuned senses tell him of hurt to The Green. Passing into camp, it becomes clear to the lynx that it isn't the presence of the soldiers that is the problem. At every brigade tent there are men propped up, groaning. Not wounded. A sickness is sweeping the camp.

As Captain Stieglitz distributes his new recruits he turns to the four strangest (you).

"You, mercenaries, you'd better come with me to see the General before you turn in. He'll want to know what you can do."

Walking Dad · Aug 6, 2010

Targas

"Not much. After this trek through dust and sun, I need to wet my skin soon, to be in fighting condition."

[sblock=OOC]

Not really need it rules-wise, but roleplaying

---

Targas
AC 22 (T12, FF15), HP ?/?, F +6,R+3,W+2

MW Trident: +8, 1d8+3

[/sblock]

Herobizkit · Aug 6, 2010

Zephyr

"The land here is unwell..." Zephyr states flatly, "It shares its sickness with the fighting men."

Dr Simon · Aug 9, 2010

The captain stops abruptly and looks down at Zephyr.

"If there's something more to this than ordinary camp fever, the General will definitely want to know," he says. "Come."

He leads the group to a large command tent where officers are gathered around a map table. It almost seems as if rank in the Rosen army is indicated by moustache size. The captain snaps off a smart salute, which is eventually returned by one of the men.

"Report captain."

"These... people were in the latest round of recruits, sir. They are hired on standard mercenary rates, but claim specialist skills. I thought you might want to question them yourself. The, er, cat, said something about the camp fever."
The general silently regards the group for a moment, then the captain. Finally he dismisses him. Another round of saluting and the captain departs.

The general beckons for his batman to bring over a decanter and glasses.

"Please, take a seat." The tent is well furnished with upholstered chairs - hardly convenient campaigning equipment. "Drinks, anyone? Food? Now, what's this about the camp fever?"

Shayuri · Aug 14, 2010

Seelia nudges Zephyr's flank. "Tell 'em about the fever," she urges casually. Then she says to the general "After he's done, I show you my shooting. I'm better than you'd get at twice the price."

Herobizkit · Aug 15, 2010

Zephyr grins at Seelia, "All things in their own time, little friend. We have talked of this before." Zephyr widens his grin, showing his front teeth.

"I speak to the Green, and she speaks to me," Zephyr offers the captain by way of explanation. "She tells me that she is unhappy with the presence of the fighting men. I do not yet know the source of the affliction, but your warriors are suffering. Perhaps I can learn more once I inspect the campsite."

Dr Simon · Aug 15, 2010

The General looks indulgently at Seelia, as if humouring a small child, but he becomes serious again as Zephyr talks, only slightly startled at the talking cat. After glancing at the others to check that it isn't some ventriloquism trick, he replies.

"Well, if the earth isn't happy with my men being here, the faster 'she' stops making them sick the faster we can be on our way," he says matter-of-factly. "If you think you can do anything about it, you have my blessing to look around."

Walking Dad · Aug 15, 2010

Targas

"Water, and I need to wet my skin soon, to be in fighting condition."

[sblock=OOC]

Not really need it rules-wise, but roleplaying

---

Targas
AC 22 (T12, FF15), HP ?/?, F +6,R+3,W+2

MW Trident: +8, 1d8+3

[/sblock]

Dr Simon · Aug 17, 2010

Eventually, the general's batman manages to get some food together, as well as a fancy china service of tea (a cup for the Professor, a thimble for Seelia and a saucer for Zephyr), as well as a glass of water for Targas. A bucket and sponge are also provided.

"You must be one the Skragos," says the General. "Had dealings with your people campaigning with Prince Engelbert. Course, that must have been thirty years ago now, but I found them to be an honourable lot. Now." he turns to the rest of the group. "I don't think a demonstration of the little lady's marskmanship will be needed," he says. "As specialists you will be granted the honourary rank of Captain and appointed suitable chambers."

The Professor coughs politely and sets down his teacup.

"I have no need of a military title, thank you General. I've a perfectly good one that I've earned the hard way."

The General raises his bushy eyebrows slightly. "As you wish," he says, then continues. "Now, if you like I can have my man show you to your quarters and you can investigate this sickness at first light, unless you want to begin now, of course..."

OOC: Prince Engelbert is the middle son of the Peledar royal family. He and his two brothers Eugene and Rupert have all been missing for years whilst questing for a way to restore their sister.
Grufflehead has decided to take his leave of the game, so I'll be NPCing the Professor the moment.