Six From Gate Pass - Chapter 3: Shelter From The Storm

[fromage67]

"All right, Kirio. Let's seek out this Ragesian spy."

Lars hums a little and passes his hand over his face, and suddenly he has subtle orcish features, and would pass off as a Ragesian quite nicely. He snaps his fingers and his back to his old self.

 

[Gregor]

Alric, you head out of the city and back through the refugee camps. You spot the flags and heraldry of the Kingdom of Dassen flying over a highly organized camp. The refugees are protected by a dug ditch and a perimeter of sharpened stakes which protects many tents and piles of supplies. The tents are arrayed in military fashion around a low hill on which an old stone fort sits.

Refugees in the camp generally give you dirty looks which you soon attribute to your clear Ragesian heritage. Some suggest that you head over to the Ragesian camp instead and leave them alone. Eventually however, someone points you in the direction of the fort to speak with Foebane who has been elected to speak on behalf of the Dasseni refugees.

When you near the fort you see that a small muster of less than a hundred men and women are being put through military drills by a number of officers. They are poorly equipped and don't seem to be taking to the exercises with the enthusiasm of true soldiers. When you approach, one of the officers greets you. In response to an inquiry for Foebane, the officer informs you that the commander has been sequestered in the Lyceum as he meets with the headmasters. Apparently there is a War Council in the morning which he is to participate in. You are asked to return tomorrow evening if you want words with Xavious.

 

[funkmamagoat]

Lars hums a little and passes his hand over his face, and suddenly he has subtle orcish features, and would pass off as a Ragesian quite nicely. He snaps his fingers and his back to his old self.

"Ha! I love it. Good, that should come in handy, now let's see what we can see..." Kirio heads off with Lars (and anyone else that wishes to) to try and see if they can sniff out the potion loving Ragesian spy...

OOC: Gather information diplomacy check...

 

[Adjuntive]

Alric salutes the officer stiffly and nods in approval that he will see Xavious tomorrow.

On his way out his dissappointment of the poorly performing recruits turns to disgust. He then turns, faces the rag-tag group of "soldiers" and takes in a good lung-full of air.

"Is THIS what you all call soldiering?!?" Alric walks over to the line of recruits and stares them down in turn pacing along them. "Is THIS the way you will defend yourselfs, with half-hearted, piss-stained attempts to attack? Or are you just doing this for the food? KNOW THIS: the Ragesians are coming and they've trodden over better -stains of soldiers than you're turning out to be. Do you plan to meet them with noodle-arm wielded spears, or a craven back-side? Or are you going to harden yourselves and show them they can't trod where they will?" Alric waits for a moment as if waiting for a reply, though really he's just giving himself a breath to continue. "KNOW THIS AS WELL LADIES: I'm coming back tomorrow and if you aren't thrusting swords and spears like real men, I'm going to make the Ragesians look like a dog and pony show once I'm through with you!"

 

[Gregor]

Kirio and Lars (and whoever joins), you spend most of the late morning and early afternoon walking through town, buying drinks at taverns, cruising the markets and walking the refugee camps. You speak with people from all walks of life, from Lyceum students, merchants, labourers, smiths, commoners and beggars. Despite your honeyed words and generosity in dispensing liquid encouragement, you are unable to learn anything about an individual named Nelebekus. In fact, nobody seems to have ever heard of him by name or by description.

Alric, most of the 'soldiers' are nothing more than refugees who clearly fled their homes with not much more than the clothes on their backs. They are not sure what to make of your outburst, but look nervous and look at one another in confusion. Some try to stand at attention with fear in their eyes, others are startled and don't know what to do, while still others spit in your direction, drop their weapons and leave the pitch, heads lowered. The officers merely shake their heads with disappointment. One mentions to you that he'll inform Xavious about your clear ... eagerness to help build up a militia. He is sure that the commander will appreciate your assistance ... whoever you are. He then turns his back to you and begins to try to re-assemble the men into formation.

Alric, Lars and Kirio (and whomever else) return to the Inn around the same time.

 

[The Bashar]

Hrimr decides to head down by the seaside and have a look around. He thinks about what Kirio said and wonders if it is true.

He looks to the skies to see if any birds are flying around.

 

[Gregor]

[sblock="for Hrimr"]Hrimr, you don't notice anything in the skies or amongst birds that would tell you that something is wrong. This does not surprise you given that Kirio told you the problem is prevalent in Ragesia and its bordering lands. Your current position is quite far from there.

However, it is unseasonably cold in Seaquen. Generally its rather warm all year around due to its southern position, its placement on the ocean and its proximity to the swamps. Also, the rain has continued to fall since you stopped in Vidor over a week ago. It also shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Something is definitely amiss with the weather.[/sblock]

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio seeks out Katrina to have a word when he gets back from looking for Nelebekus, confused at their utter lack of success. He has done this sort of thing often, and they should have come up with at least some sort of lead... "May I have a word Katrina? Tell me, this ragesian spy contact the witches talked about, Nelebekus you said his name was, the one that bought their wares... what else do you remember? I have just spent the better part of the morning roaming the city, and have completely failed to find even a inkling of a lead on his whereabouts...? You may simply think my search was... inefficient; let me assure you it was anything but. Are you sure you remember correctly?"

 

[Gregor]

Katrina is reclining in a plush booth near the fire, reading over the letter from her brother. She puts it away when Kirio approaches. After listening to his question she says: "What's the matter Kirio? Why don't you just use that powerful confident voice you used when you robbed me of my belongings. I'm sure this lead of yours will simply give himself over quaking at the knees." She laughs. "But in all seriousness my dear brigand, I was bound and kept in a dark damp shack. I heard bits and pieces of the witches' conversation and that name kept coming up. Perhaps that was only the mark's cover name when dealing with my captors?"

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio graces her with wry smile as he takes the liberty of sitting across from her in the booth "Poor girl, still stewing a little I see? Fear not, you'll soon recover more than you lost if I've any flare for what is happening around us; opportunity abounds, and you are free and alive, as opposed to componentry for some fell potion. I'm sorry your brother has disappointed you; if it makes you feel any better I think he felt a certain amount of responsibility to stay and do what he could for his...., organization; little comfort I know, but family is often disappointing I've found. Your reasoning is interesting. If he were careful, and one would assume this of a spy working behind enemy lines, perhaps he avoids the name here, still" he frowns and shakes his head "I should have found something..." He shrugs and smiles again "well, thank you, if you remember anything else, do feel free to tell. I think I'll broaden the search then, you're welcome to join if you like..."

Kirio grabs Lars (if he is willing, and anyone else for that matter) to head out to broaden his search a little...

OOC: Gather information check coming.