Conquest of Bloodsworn Vale [IC]

[Azgulor]

OOC: One other thought I wanted to convey. The whole exchange that led to the dubbing of Obvious & Oblivious had me laughing out loud. While Aldur's in-game reaction was initially one of impatience, he's found humor in it after the fact. Since no one took issue with it in-character, I hope no offense is taken if he uses the nicknames when he feels the occasion warrants it. It's delivered in the spirit of good-natured ribbing, but if it bothers anyone let me know and I'll drop it.

 

[FreeXenon]

[OOC: Bring it on! Well deserved and appropriate. I was laughing too. Your comments will help me to add another facet to this character.]

 

[ethandrew]

Besik steps forward and precipitates his pronouncement with a slight bow of his head. "Before our overzealous standard-bearer pledges our undying fealty, I would like to know what you propose, Sir Tolgrith." He steps back with his hands folded in front of his waist, slender fingers steepling on the knuckles of his opposite hands. With a side glance toward the back of Aelish he subtley rolls his eyes.

OOC: I will echo FreeXenon's excellent playing. I do like the interaction of this group so far.

 

[YeOldeAlbatross]

Aelish heartily shakes the Captain's hand as he speaks "Greetings Sir Tolgrith. I am rather surprised to see you at a station like this, since there is not much glory to be had as would be on the battlefield."

Tolgrith gives a half smile and a sigh. "True my friend, very true. But there comes a time in any old soldier's life when the glories of the battlefield begin to pale, and the thought of less hazardous prizes begins to grow in one's mind. If this mission is a success, I may well be able to retire to an estate in the countryside, with the gratitude of the King. But...for all the trouble this assignment has seen of late, I wonder if I may have been wiser to keep leading valiant men such as yourself in battle against the orc tribes."

The Herald clears his throat as the memory of violence and victory fades, and the captain completes the pleasantries. He continues "Shall we get down to business, Sir? There are rumors that a work crew has gone missing in the area? I am curious as to what we can do to help with this problem and the help the opening of the Vale? I am here in an unofficial-official capacity, and I am at your disposal... as are we all."

Being familiar with the herald's...domestic situation...Tolgrith nods subtlely in understanding of Aelish's meaning.

Seeing that he has the attention of everyone in the room, despite the undercurrent of barely-audible commentary, Sir Tolgrith continues to explain the situation at hand.

"The crux of the current problem is as the local gossip says. The path has fallen behind schedule because the monsters dwelling in the forest constantly harry my workers. Fortunately, these marauding beasts have so far only killed a few workers, and progress on the road continues despite these losses. Recently, however, a new threat appeared. Two days ago, a work crew failed to return. After recalling all of the other crews, I sent out my scouts to investigate. They just returned this morning. The scouts reported finding the missing crew’s camp in complete disarray. They found all eight men dead, pierced with dozens of small arrows. While none of the gear or equipment was missing, each body was found missing its ears. Since this mutilation is obviously not the work of a simple forest monster, I would prefer to send professionals to investigate this disturbing turn of events. I ask you to find the butchers responsible, put an end to them, then report back to me personally once you have completed the task. What say you?"

OOC: Azgulor, the cork bit had me rolling! Great job with your characterizations, everyone!

 

[ethandrew]

Besik steeples his hands together and holds the tips of his fingers against his closed mouth, much like in a prayer. At the mention of the mutilation his eyebrows furrow, mouth tightening. The act seemed familiar to him, on the tip of his tongue.

[sblock=OOC]Besik will do a Knowledge Nature for 25. Also, he will tap into the Captain's mind, see if there's anything he's hiding or not telling us.[/sblock]

 

[FreeXenon]

Aelish Karn (Human Male Herald) HP: 33

Being used to making decisions for others Aelish says "Little arrows and ears missing, huh. We will do whatever we can to ensure that you will be able to retire with the Kings grace, friend. Where do we start? I think.... " his voice trails off and he looks around realizing that he has been speaking for everyone even though they are not 'assigned' to his 'command'.

He clears his throat and says "What do the rest of you think?" while blushing a little bit.

 

[YeOldeAlbatross]

[sblock=Besik]Besik's scan of Sir Tolgrith's thoughts reveals nothing more or less that what he has said. He is a good and sincere man.

As for the mutilated workers...the presence of small arrows suggests the work of some sort of fey to Besik...but as to what type, and more importantly, why they would cut off their victims' ears, more investigation will be required.[/sblock]

 

[s@squ@tch]

Percivilis and Jerivan

"Captain," Percivilis says earnestly,"I'm sure I speak with for the rest of the group -- we will do what we can to find out what happened to your men, and put a stop to them."

"I trust that you have a map with the proposed route for trade on it?"

"Anything else you can tell us about the inhabitants of this vale?"

 

[Azgulor]

"Let's not forget those 'rewards aplenty', either while we're on the subject," interjects Aldur.

 

[YeOldeAlbatross]

"Captain," Percivilis says earnestly,"I'm sure I speak with for the rest of the group -- we will do what we can to find out what happened to your men, and put a stop to them."

Sir Tolgrith smiles. "That is much appreciated! I knew Aelish would be associating only with noble and trustworthy companions."

"I trust that you have a map with the proposed route for trade on it?"

"Indeed I do." Tolgrith motions to the map which is spread out on the conference table. (Refer to the map at beginning of the thread.) The map clearly shows Fort Thorn, with the trade route marked as a white line which crosses the Petal River, and then extends through the forest to the Coldrun River. Beyond the Coldrun the route continues as a dashed line, indicating the proposed continuation of the trail, as yet uncompleted.

Tolgrith points to a spot on the map, about eight miles from the fort, just off the finished trail between the rivers. (Area B) "This is where the scouts found the campsite of the slaughtered work crew."

"Anything else you can tell us about the inhabitants of this vale?"

"The reports are sketchy at times, but we have confirmed sightings of dire wolves, dire boars, and what we believe to be owlbears. One panicked worker claims he saw a tree come to life, but that has not been confirmed. There also has been some evidence of a band of intelligent humanoids...perhaps orcs or hobgoblins, though no attacks from these have taken place."

"Let's not forget those 'rewards aplenty', either while we're on the subject," interjects Aldur.

Tolgrith nods towards the dwarf. "I am a man of my word. Any who help me tame this place will earn land, title, and gold. My liege, King Arabasti, has given me leave to knight those who help me and to give them land here in the vale. The gold will come from a tax levied on the merchants using this trail. To put it simply, the safer you make this vale, the more richly we’ll all be rewarded. Your basic room and board will be provided while you are in my employ, and any spoils you recover during your adventures are yours to keep."