Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Herremann the Wise" data-source="post: 1819131" data-attributes="member: 11300">{3} A Toad By Any Other Name?And the story continues...***Lucifus and Tunthi were escorted to the reception area with Demar and Father Brian. Along the way, Demar exclaimed that while Tunthi would be welcome, Lucifus would need to clean him up or at the very least place some enchantment upon him that would make his rather ripe aura less noticeable and offensive. Father Brian annoyed at the expedition to get Lucifus, quickly whipped around the rear of the hall to the kitchen to oversee the procession of the evening’s many courses. Lucifus, following Demar’s direction did his best to make Tunthi presentable. They had repaired to an adjoining vestibule when an elderly man in finest livery carrying a white serving cloth greeted them.“Good evening gentlemen, I am Romsey, Milord’s chief aide, butler and valet. I have been given to understand some measure of assistance would be appreciated? Here… allow me to help you out of those sir,” suggested Romsey, offering to aid Tunthi from his soiled garments. Tunthi just looked at Lucifus perplexed while Lucifus interpreted Romsey’s directions to the half-orc. To his extreme credit and professionalism, Romsey did not even flinch when handed the rags leaving the half-orc standing freshly nude upon the newly laid flagstones. “With your leave good sir, I’ll have your garments washed and pressed. In the meantime, I have seen to some temporary attire that will surely make this evening’s events more comfortable for all concerned.”A maid quietly stepped into the vestibule, suddenly choking at the sight of Tunthi’s grossly proportioned manhood before immediately locking her gaze to her feet. “Why thank you Clarissa,” expressed Romsey taking the large homespun robes from her shaking hands before excusing her. Romsey assisted Tunthi in applying the new outfit to best effect. “Yes… While not exactly the highest of mode and fashion [Tunthi insisted on accessorizing with his axe and toad’s cage], I’m sure it shall suffice. Do you have any other needs or requirements before your presentation to this evening’s gathering?” Lucifus shook his head, privately laughing at Tunthi’s totally bemused expression.“No? In which case then allow me to warmly escort you both to the dining hall.”By now, the visitors had been moved through into the Dining Hall as the first of seven courses was being prepared for consumption. Lord Herland Ramus had been given the seat of honour at the head of the table while Demar sat immediately to his right as protocol dictated. To Ramus’s left were positioned his two assistants from the Order while others in the group less constrained by matters of etiquette and diplomacy seated themselves as suited. Lucifus and Tunthi were finally ushered in and accommodated at the furthermost end of the table. Demar, noting everyone’s presence addressed the gathering.“Welcome everyone and thank you all for coming this evening. To you Lord Ramus, I am honoured to have you visit our humble facilities here that I hope will develop into a strong symbol of our Orders presence in Nethendawe. In regards to this evening’s feast, Galasso has surely blessed us all this evening in encouraging Father Brian to perform his magic in the newly finished kitchen. However, before we delight in the forthcoming provender, I would like to officially introduce everyone to our honoured guest Lord Herland Ramus, Leader of the Knight Protectors of Greater Beltratia, Holy Knight of Fiarle the Lionheart and Principal Advisor to his eminence Emperor Leto of the Reborn Beltratian Empire. He has kindly deigned to talk to us all in regards to recent events, most notably, the Emperor’s official endorsement of the Company of the Griffon as a representative of the Reborn Empire [this was met by polite applause].”Demar introduced the group to Lord Ramus [each member responding as noted below]. “Obviously sir, you have met my trusted friend and chief advisor Magister Abacus [a polite nod] in addition to my chamberlain Sir William Sarenns [a most diplomatic bow] and Father Brian Macphail, presently in the kitchen. However, may I introduce Rebecca of Nethendawe [a practised curtsey], Titus Hornblower [an informal wave], the Wizard Nemhan [a most ingratiated and fawning bow] and our newest member as of this morning, the Wizard Lucifus Cray [a spoken correction of “Warlock” followed by an inclination of the head] and…[a slight stumble from Demar here] his companion…Tunthi of the Axe” [Tunthi oblivious to the introduction, failed to produce an appropriate response].“I am pleased to meet you all,” intoned Lord Ramus. “Although Lucifus Cray, I note your title as one not consonant with the dignity of a representative of the Emperor as the now freshly endorsed Company of the Griffon entails. Perhaps it would be most wise of you to follow Lord Demar’s titular suggestion in this regard?”Lucifus who had been floating at a slightly decreased altitude to facilitate a better eye-level with those assembled responded undaunted, “I thank you for the advice and shall consider it forthwith. Unfortunately, you must understand that many would be confused in regards to a changed vocation on my part.”“The change would seem to be an augmentation. I do not understand your concerns,” answered the Knight.“And no doubt you wouldn’t. However, the title of Warlock is fundamental to my outlook and the perceived presence I prefer. Its alteration would need to be something carefully considered… something of which I am of course now promising to at the very least look at.”Demar, not wanting to see the evening’s proceedings begin on a poorer note quickly changed the focus. “Indications are [he nodded to Romsey who had just re-entered the hall] that the first course is ready for serving so please, everyone enjoy.”Serving women quickly entered with a first course of freshly shucked oysters bathed in a reduction of white wine and garlic along with a new salad of baby cress, fresh greens, crisp eschalots and river leaves. Salmon roe was accompanied by a base of fennel, celery and blood orange and in turn augmented by a side dish of aged cheese, young rocket and baby capers. The majority of the guests consumed the course politely with courteous use of utensils and table manners according to societal decorum and etiquette. There were however a few notable exceptions.Titus, who had declined the use of a “booster seat” instead stood with his hairy, small feet upon the chair and consumed the meal standing up with debonair use of his exquisite dagger. The group were quite familiar with this behaviour although ruffled eyebrows from both of Herland Ramus’s advisers were occasionally directed in the halfling’s direction. Titus made sure he smiled and nodded with a flourish on each such occasion. Lucifus maintained his hovering, cross-legged pose yet did not touch any of the food on offer{1} although he did selectively apply his wine goblet in moderation. Tunthi however was having difficulty adjusting to the menu. While he had consumed everything within reach, he had left a mess both on, to the side and below the table. Occasionally he would bend over to pick up a choice, dropped morsel but each time, a flatulent rejoinder would accompany the action. Most politely ignored the behaviour although Rebecca could not help but chuckle on the noisier occasions.Discussions again resumed whereby Sir Ramus congratulated the group on their significant improvement in status. In particular, he made mention of numerous positive reports of their behaviour in regards to their efforts in Nethendawe. However, he did report of difficulties with the city-states of Keryl, Flekir and Greatbridge{2}. There were rumours of a possible alliance amongst them if the Emperor sought to extend his reach beyond that he currently held. Perhaps surprisingly, Lord Ramus while fully supportive of Emperor Leto was reserved in regards to further ambitions beyond the limited charter already established. As such, the party were given a rare glimpse into the highest level of political manoeuvring not normally seen by members of the populous. Conversation then transferred to a discussion on Liches{3} as well as the Larkshire expedition on the morrow. Lord Ramus suggested the group investigate a disturbing number of trolls and other nuisances that have had the local constabulary of rangers in conniptions. Normally, the Emperor would just let local authorities deal with the situation as best as they could but on this occasion; Lord Ramus had an inkling that there was more to the case than was initially presented. An unnatural undertone was garnered from a further report that had engaged his attention. As such, he thought that the Company of the Griffon might be best to investigate such things. They were quite capable of dealing with such threats and at the very least, would make short work of the Trolls. The fact that the local ruler of Larkshire, Governor Lidia of Terrefin was a former member and current ally of the group was also a fact not lost on Lord Ramus.During the discussions, wonderful courses of magnificent proportion came and went. Steamed mussels, crab and other local shellfish were carefully prepared until succulent and savoury. An aromatic conserve of black olives, burnt sage butter and celeriac puree topped an aged haunch of venison carefully turned and roasted. Pheasant and other game collected by local hunters were broiled and capriciously matched to unusual vegetables. However, residing on the banks of the Beltrates, Father Brian was compelled to further extend the menu into other river-life: fresh catfish, stewed in a consommé of mixed vegetables and local produce were married to a casserole of smaller fish types and some of the riverbush delicacies favoured by locals. By the presentation of the final course, the mood had relaxed and discussion ventured more towards personal interests from the previous heavier discourse. Nemhan who had applied generous quantities of alcohol to his gullet was busy making chitchat. “So Lucifasus…sus,” slurred Nemhan enjoying yet another glass of dessert wine pressed from the Alleara grape. “Can you enlighten us in regards to your… malignant toad? The good Holy Knight here may be able to… cure{4} it of its evil intentions?”Sir Herland Ramus and indeed most of the table now turned to where Lucifus was hovering and Tunthi gloriously snoring – having downed three jugs of wine in quick succession.“I’m not too sure the Emperor’s Advisor would wish to be bothered with such trifling details, answered Lucifus.“No please Lucifus. I would be most interested in this…evil toad.”“Well I suppose I could cover some of the basic details for you if insisted upon. In fact, the first place would be the common misconception that this creature is a toad: an attitude I have done my best to portray and inculcate. Please forgive my untruth. The creature is in actuality Jengus of the Pianatha tribe: mortal enemy and destroyer of Tunthi’s entire clan.”Stunned silence greeted those words.***{1}Lucifus was neither intentionally being discourteous nor fearing poisoning from Father Brian, he merely had been conditioned into not eating through the use of his Ring of Sustenance.{2}The Reborn Empire was realistically not a patch on its former glory. Many of these provincial city-states (Keryl etc.) openly laughed at a “New” Empire comprising of just two cities: Nethendawe and Peronsil. Whilst Nethendawe was the former capital of the once Great Beltratian Empire and Peronsil was one of her prime sister-cities, the sovereign reach of the new Reborn Empire was impotent at best. In fact, recently and without fanfare, the county of Larkshire had been added to the new empire’s register though this was a source of even more ridicule. This backwater would be an increased drain on the Reborn Empire’s already slim resources.{3}Liches form a rather devastating period in the history of the realm known as the Interregnum. More information on this and how it relates to our party will be presented in a future post.{4}The proselytizing Paladin He-that-shall-not-be-named was very successful at swaying creatures from evil to good. There were several notches in his episcopal staff, most notable being a hill giant named Grusk: currently and peacefully residing on the Paladin’s island. Nemhan was obviously making reference and the incorrect assumption that all Holy Knights were capable of such feats of catechisation. Lord Ramus’s pursuits in fact focused on alternative endeavours.</blockquote>

Verification