PFIC 4/13

[21:36] <Guriphu> Wendrysport, around 8pm.  The sun is down, but the town is up, feasting at the waterside.  About a third of the food is from the party's "catch," but people from all over town have brought things: fresh vegetables from early spring gardens, breads and grain-based soups from winter stores, deserts, cheeses, and so forth.
[21:37] <Guriphu> Fires blaze all down the shore, providing cheery orange light and filling the air with the smell of woodsmoke and cooking food.  Over three hundred people are here, eating and talking and being generally in high spirits - in no small part because liquid spirits have started to flow as well.  There's even a band sawing away at their fiddles, though
[21:38] <Guriphu> one would have to be generous or a few drinks in to call them good.
[21:38] *** Lithdoran is now known as Hycindal
[21:39] * Collein is partaking in the spoils, albeit gingerly, given her injured state.
[21:39] <Guriphu> Adan took off early, giving his farewells and announcing his departure from Kalad Marat to seek his fortune in other lands.  There wasn't any time to be sad to see him go, as you were quickly swept up by the many people eager to meet you.  By now, however, things have started to calm down, everybody's had at least one meal worth of food,
[21:40] <Guriphu> and people have separated into their natural groups of friends, family, relatives, and coworkers.  Between alcohol and firelight, the party's likely to carry on well into the night, but it's faded into its quieter stage.
[21:41] * Betrys_Kindrick is eating far more than her size would betray. It's a wonder where any of it is going.
[21:42] <Guriphu> Hycindal and Tristan, you arrived late - though you've still had your fill - and are interested in finding the adventurers who killed Mastbreaker and seeing if their plans include more risky ventures in need of people skilled in violent situations.
[21:42] *** Collein has quit IRC: Connection reset by peer
[21:44] * Tristan stalks through the town proper with faint smirk etched into his face, head spinning with the festivities alighting around him. "A quaint little place, isn't it."
[21:45] * Hycindal moves with Tristain, weaving easily through the crowd with all the grace that belies an Elf "The people need these little distractions. It keeps them from succumbing to more self-destructive emotions than a need for more drink and food." she's smirking, but her tone is rather hauty and cynical.
[21:47] *** CD|Phone has joined #pfic
[21:48] *** CD|Phone is now known as Collein
[21:49] <Guriphu> Collein and Betrys, along with Habber and Bonnoka Grunn, are in the process of extracting themselves from an overly enthusiastic and very drunk fishmonger, when Mist bumps up against you, cradling a big wine bottle.  From the flush on her face, she's already been sampling it.
[21:50] <Guriphu> Habber catches her before she can fall over, and she instinctively flinches away from him for a second, but then she giggles.
[21:50] <Guriphu> Mist: "Oh, hi.  It's all of you!"
[21:50] <Collein> "Hi, Mist," she drawls. "Looks like you're feeling better today."
[21:50] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Oh hey Mist. Is the wine good?"
[21:51] <Guriphu> Habber: "Erm.  Easy there."  He props her back on her feet, looking unsure of whether he needs to be confrontational or friendly.
[21:51] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Because if it is I'd like some. The beer's pretty good, but it's hard to get decent wine where I'm from."
[21:51] <Guriphu> Mist: "Mmhmm.  Here, try some!"  She passes it over.
[21:52] * Betrys_Kindrick drinks some out of the bottle. "Pretty good!"
[21:53] <Guriphu> "Oh, um.  There was something I was going to tell you... oh, yes.  Two were seeking you.  Man and elfess, tall and armed.  I don't think they mean you harm... but they look not to be wanting a dance, either."  She does a little half spin that nearly unbalances her again.
[21:54] * Tristan jerks his head in Hycindal's direction, "Do you know where they might be, or are we just taking another shot in the dark, looking for them."
[21:54] * Collein laughs at Mist's antics, glad she's actually smiling without forcing it.
[21:54] <Guriphu> She waves over in the direction of the place where Tristan and Hycindal are watching the party.
[21:55] * Tristan presses his lips together and works something that might be construed as a smile, onto his face and waves his gloved hand at the party. His other hand, playfully dances on the hilt of his sword.
[21:56] * Betrys_Kindrick waves back spiritedly, still eating.
[21:57] * Collein takes a look over at who Mist indicates before raising an eyebrow. "Did they give you names?" she asks the little changeling.
[21:58] * Hycindal gives a curt wave "What have we gotten ourselves into now?" she whispers, not moving her lips "Let's go say 'Hi' then, best not be rude."
[21:59] * Tristan chortles, "If you say so."
[22:02] <Guriphu> "No."  She frowns at them.  "I only overheard.  It looks like they are coming, though."  She seems to sober up a little at Collein's serious attitude.
[22:03] <Collein> "Good enough." She smiles at her. "Thanks for the heads-up."
[22:04] * Hycindal weaves through the crowd toward the group. She bows politely once she joins the circle of people "May the path rise to meet your feet. I am Hycindal, and my brooding companion is -"
[22:04] * Tristan still smiling his strange half smile, Tristan takes a long, exaggerated bow at the hip. "It is...a pleasure to meet you all, this evening."
[22:05] <Tristan> "My name is Tristan. Though, I don't think I'm as 'broody' as Cindy here, says."
[22:06] <Hycindal> "When I met him, he was draped in a black cloak and sat at the back of a poorly lit tavern."
[22:07] <Collein> "Likewise." Collein bows, a little stiffly. "I'm Collein the Red."
[22:07] * Tristan flashes her a smile, "She lies."
[22:07] <Betrys_Kindrick> "I'm Betrys, mage of the Tower guild."
[22:07] <Guriphu> "Mist," says Mist with a rough curtsey.  Slender and lovely, with long black hair and porcelain skin, Mist could almost pass for human except that she’s a little too small and her eyes are different colors.    She's wearing a drab grey dress that's obviously borrowed.
[22:07] <Hycindal> "I embellish." she corrects with a sharp grin.
[22:07] * Tristan holds a hand out to shake, "I hear the lot of you do good work, in the area."
[22:07] <Guriphu> "Habber," says the male human.
[22:07] <Guriphu> "Bonnoka Grunn," says the female.  "His sister."
[22:08] <Guriphu> Tall, burly, and a little overweight, Habber and Bonnoka Grunn look as alike as two people can while still being different genders.  They have brown hair, tanned skin, and a share of down-home comeliness to their faces.
[22:10] <Guriphu> Handshakes all around, from Mist and the twins.  Mist's is cautious, the twins' are enthusiastic and a little bit crushing.
[22:10] <Collein> Collein's is firm but searching.
[22:13] * Tristan is a firm-footed young man a roguish cut to his chin and grin that doesn't quite reach the eyes. He holds himself confidently  and seems to roll around on the balls of his feet, even when standing still, as if expecting an attack from any direction.
[22:13] <Guriphu> The twins are wearing the leather and cloth underlayer of some variety of armor.  From the slight pattern of rust stains, it's probably scale.
[22:13] <Tristan> His grip is likewise, calloused but deceptively delicate when he accepts the proffered hands. The sword at his side is clearly not for show.
[22:13] * Hycindal is your average Elf. Thin and tall with a fair, angular face. Her bright green eyes gleam and dart about from her bright, fiery red hair which is streaked with bits of tan. Her armor seems to be made from autumnal leaves which have been cured and treated to an almost leathry texture, under which she wears purple garments - at her hips is strapped a scimitar and a belt with bells attached.
[22:14] * Collein is tall and slender, brown-haired and blue-eyed, wearing red and black with her hair falling from under a red felt cap. She wears a rapier sheathed at one hip. Currently she seems a little worae for wear.
[22:15] * Betrys_Kindrick is short and curvy, a bit over three feet tall, with brown hair done up in a bun and brown eyes. She's wearing a travelling outfit, with a tunic, skirt, and boots in light brown leather.
[22:18] <Tristan> His dark green eyes flash dangerously at the group, but the sense of predation in his gaze blinks out almost as quickly as you see it. Tristan is tall, with long limbs especially suited for the sword. The smile he wears never leaves his face.
[22:19] <Hycindal> "So, how about we enjoy the party for now, and talk business in the morn?"
[22:19] <Collein> "That sounds preferable. I'd rather talk business in better shape."
[22:20] <Hycindal> "What happened to you?"
[22:20] <Guriphu> The twins seem happy enough with the newcomers.  "More's always welcome ta me," says Bonnoka with a shrug and a wince.  "We could have used the extra swords against that dragon."
[22:21] <Guriphu> "Lobster," corrects Habber.  "Dragon Crab," counters Bonnoka.  "Lobster Shark," Habber suggests.
[22:21] * Tristan looks at the half-elven woman's weapon still smiling, "Hm? Did you hurt yourself playing with that sword of yours?"
[22:22] <Collein> "Mastbreaker lived up to his name, sadly," she says to Hycindal, ignoring the barb with effort.
[22:22] <Guriphu> Mist, on the other hand, looks increasingly wary.  Her eyes never leave Tristan and Hycindal, especially Tristan, even while she pours herself another drink.  Her gaiety of before is diminished.
[22:23] * Hycindal elbows Tristan "Stop. I'm not cleaning up more of your messes. We also NEED this money."
[22:24] <Hycindal> "Sorry about that." she laughs tensely "I forgot his LEASH."
[22:24] * Tristan chortles, "If I must."
[22:26] * Hycindal sighs in half-relief "Would somebody be kind enough to point me toward the wine?"
[22:26] <Guriphu> "Ooh," says Habber, a light clicking on in his head.  "You two should fight.  Tis the best way."  He nods conclusively.  "Wood switches, to the first touch.  I put two gold pieces on the Hat!"
[22:26] * Betrys_Kindrick hands the bottle to Hycindal. "This stuff's pretty good!"
[22:27] * Tristan looks at Collein with interest burning in his eyes, but quickly turns his head and looks at Habber. "I wouldn't want to hurt somebody still recovering from her injuries."
[22:27] <Guriphu> Bonnoka shoves Habber in the shoulder.  "Can't ya see she's hurt?"  Habber: "Pff, pops right back up, that one."
[22:29] <Collein> "I try," she says to Habber. "But some things are easier than others to pop back from." She turns to Tristan. "But maybe I'll take you up on that some day."
[22:29] <Hycindal> "I'd put gold down on her. If only to spite Tristan."
[22:30] <Tristan> 'Cindy rather enjoys losing money."
[22:30] <Tristan> "I'll hold you to it, then."
[22:30] <Guriphu> "Aw," says Habber.  "Well, if ya say so.  More ale?"
[22:31] * Hycindal takes a swig of the wine straight from the bottle "S'not too bad." she remarks, passing it back to Betrys.
[22:31] <Collein> "Excellent. And sure, more ale sounds great. Maybe one day I'll drink myself smart instead of silly."
[22:35] <Guriphu> Alas, tonight doesn't seem to be that day, and all the ale seems to do is make you think things are going to be smart right up until it's too late to get them back.  Nonetheless, it facilitates a very pleasant evening.
[22:42] <Guriphu> You part ways and spend the evening separately, with Hycidnal and Tristan staying at the lodgings they arranged previously while the rest stay with one of the families in town.  You meet again in the morning after breakfast and your respective errands.
[22:43] * Collein looks normal again, save the remains of circles under her eyes from the alcohol.
[22:43] <Guriphu> A very light rain is falling, nothing worth staying inside for or bundling up against, although you wouldn't want to study your spellbook in the open.  The air is chill and damp and smells of lake and woodsmoke and spring on the steppe.  The cobblestones are a little slippery underfoot and the wind is mild, but cold.
[22:46] <Guriphu> Habber and Bonnoka already see the union as a done deal, and have gone off to windowshop for whatever things low-rent thugs like to windowshop for, and as such they are not with you.
[22:46] * Tristan enters the inn the party is staying at and undoes the laces holding his cloak onto his form and hangs it somewhere as he steps into the quaint little building, his nose twitching at the smell of smoke in the room. He looks around for familiar faces.
[22:47] <Guriphu> You've met on the lower level of the town, near the stony beach where you had dinner.  The remains of last night's fires are still standing, black piles of charred wood and discarded bones dotting the shore.
[22:47] * Collein stretches mightily as everyone assembles in the chill morning air.
[22:48] * Hycindal walks quickly, dancing some down the street, enjoying the feel of the shower, and the wet dirt and slick stone on her feet - she jingles gently with each step "Ahh, rainy days are the best. Rain rairly reached the forest floor like this."
[22:48] <Guriphu> On one side of the street are shops and a scattering of small houses; on the other, the docks and dockhouses that service a fishing town's fleet.  Sails are visible through the fog on the grey water of the lake in the distance, as the fishermen are already about their craft.
[22:49] * Betrys_Kindrick sits under an overhang, looking out while a book sits on her lap
[22:53] * Tristan slicks a hand through his messy black hair, pulling it free of tangles. "Can't say the same. Rain always meant a terrible day ahead for the mercenaries."
[22:53] <Guriphu> Mist is ostensibly looking at the nearby merchandise.  She's back in her leather armor and travel clothes, which were repaired thanks to some magic from Betrys a few minutes prior.  Her body language conveys pretty clearly that she doesn't want to be a part of the conversation yet, but reserves the right to join it if she feels like it.
[22:54] <Tristan> "Slogging through the mud carrying heavy pack in the rain is murder."
[22:55] <Hycindal> "Pack less or buy a horse, then. You couldn't have been so ill-compensated that you need to carry all your possessions with you everywhere."
[22:56] * Tristan scoffs, "Why do you think I left?"
[22:57] <Tristan> "Boring work, really."
[22:57] <Hycindal> "Because adventuring is a thousand times more profitable than pretty much anything, and you to murder people and nobody really asks questions?" she grins.
[22:57] <Hycindal> "That about sum it up?"
[22:58] <Hycindal> get to*
[23:00] <Collein> "Alright, then. I won't deny that we could use some help surviving in this newly dangerous world, but are even aware of what's gone on?"
[23:01] <Tristan> "Well, that and I couldn't take much more of the /smell./"
[23:01] * Tristan shrugs, "I've never concerned myself with the whys of it all."
[23:02] <Hycindal> "Generally so, yes. I just point him toward things, and he makes them not things anymore. Pretty much been the dynamic of our working relationship."
[23:03] <Hycindal> "He leaves details to me."
[23:04] <Tristan> "She says 'dynamic' but what it really means, is that work keeps us from killing each other."
[23:04] <Collein> "Quaint, I suppose. Have you encountered the skeletons yet?"
[23:06] <Hycindal> "Just got here, so no. Sounds pretty spooky though, S-sk-skellingtums." she chatters out the word and shivers mockingly.
[23:06] * Collein rolls her eyes. "Right. I think we're done here, then."
[23:07] <Tristan> "I've fought a few, before I met up with Cindy. But not recently, no."
[23:08] <Hycindal> "This line of work will kill you, if you're so serious all the time." she shrugs good-naturedly.
[23:09] <Collein> "They've begun appearing after the mountain was destroyed." Her face twists at that, like she can't believe she actually said that set of words.
[23:09] <Tristan> "Yeah, fun is an especially dangerous foe."
[23:11] * Hycindal clears her throat, starting to catch on that their light-making is unwelcome "So we're dealing with Skeletons?"
[23:12] <Tristan> "So a mountain went boom, any reason in particular that these bonemen keep knocking together?"
[23:13] <Collein> "Skeletons, giant spiders...that's what we've seen. And orcs on the move now."
[23:13] * Collein glances uneasily over at Mist.
[23:14] <Hycindal> "Hey, I'm more than willing to stick a blade in some Orcs."
[23:14] <Collein> "A mountain? Khalad Marat is the...was the largest one."
[23:14] <Guriphu> Mist is studiously examining some fishing hooks.  You can't see her face but her back and shoulders are tense.
[23:15] <Hycindal> "Also, if it's Skeletons we're dealing with, we should pick up some hammers or clubs."
[23:16] * Tristan smiles at the mention of orcs, "Right, right. Can't say I'm all too fond of /them/ given my...experience with them."
[23:18] <Hycindal> "If I remember the gossip correctly, something about a cult. Demons?"
[23:19] <Tristan> "Something like that."
[23:19] <Hycindal> "I mean the mountain, you narcissist."
[23:20] <Collein> "Inelegant but probably necessary," she says to the comment about clubs. "But..." She sighs. "I have no idea if Wendrysport here is ready for whatever is coming next. Probably not."
[23:20] <Hycindal> "Isn't it the local Guard's job to make sure the town is ready in case of attack?"
[23:23] <Betrys_Kindrick> "This isn't a very big town, any real threats they'd have problems with."
[23:24] <Collein> "...Have you seen their guard? Overworked, understaffed, undertrained...they didn't even question us driving in in our state."
[23:25] * Tristan shrugs, "They grew fat and complacent under the Mountain."
[23:26] <Tristan> "The lack you see now is a result of this."
[23:27] <Collein> "For good reason, really. Who wouldn't, with the way things were? Made it more of a challenge to sneak around." She grins.
[23:28] <Hycindal> "I know this is going to sound kind of heartless but - is that our problem?"
[23:28] <Hycindal> "I suppose for some coin, Tristan or Collien could provide swords lessons."
[23:30] * Tristan rolls his eyes, "I wouldn't be too sure about that. Instructing little brats is a tiresome endeavor."
[23:31] <Hycindal> "It was a suggestion - all I'm saying SOMEBODY could. Otherwise, we're not mercs. At least, I'm not."
[23:34] <Collein> "It's a thought." She shrugs. "Other than that, we've pretty much just sought out a couple of things to do for them as thanks."
[23:35] <Tristan> "So, small time. But you plan to leave soon, do you not?"
[23:37] <Hycindal> "Yes, fairly so. Have to follow the work, after all."
[23:37] <Collein> "Probably, though I have no clear idea for where next. Not back where we came, that's for sure."
[23:38] <Collein> "Mist, Bonnie, Hab--you're more than welcome to offer suggestions, you know."
[23:39] * Tristan shrugs, "I could ask around, myself. There's bound to be work for 'enterprising' youths, somewhere in these lands."
[23:41] <Guriphu> (Bonnoka and Habber are out and about, and are already on board with the general "join up and get paid to fight things" plan.
[23:41] <Guriphu> )
[23:42] <Guriphu> Mist turns away from the fish hooks she's been examining for the past five minutes and approaches closer.  She doesn't quite join the circle.
[23:45] * Hycindal tries to smile warmly at the changeling, but it winds up more menacing and weird.
[23:47] * Collein steps a little closer to Mist. "You're probably right...Tristan, was it? We'll need the coin to travel. We can only count on Davit's kindness for so long. Then it's taking advantage."
[23:47] <Guriphu> Mist: "I don't hate an orc for being a killer.  It's who they are; it's what their gods made them.  When they choose to be different, it's good, but when they don't it's just the way things are.  Inside the wall, people should be the other way around."
[23:48] <Guriphu> "I don't know if that means anything, but it's what I think."
[23:48] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Hmm, yeah, we probably should look into moving on sometime. Not sure where though, I hadn't been around here too long."
[23:50] * Tristan still smiling his infuriating smirk, nods at her, "Coin isn't what I seek, but you'll not find much steel in provincial little towns like this."
[23:50] <Tristan> "In men, or on them."
[23:51] <Hycindal> "That certainly sounds nice, though I'm not exactly sure I follow." she gives Mist a shrug "So the gameplan is find a quick job to make some coin to travel with?"
[23:51] <Hycindal> "More or less?"
[23:52] <Tristan> "We could just leave now, and hope that we find our fortunes on the road," he says with a shrug.
[23:52] <Tristan> "Fortune favors the bold, you know."
[23:53] <Hycindal> "My feet favor not walking every fupping place."
[23:53] <Guriphu> "I won't stay here long.  I never do, even when I want to.  It's just the way.  But it's not right to leave them to fate, if there's something other to be done.  If.  I sometimes think that there is not."
[23:54] <Tristan> "You're a real dour lass, yes?"
[23:54] <Collein> "Fate hasn't been kind to her so far," she says quietly.
[23:56] * Tristan spits, "Fate'ss what you make of it."
[23:56] <Guriphu> She shrugs and gives a little smile.  "Yet reality is only what it is."
[23:57] * Tristan leans back in his seat and crosses his legs, "The only reality to be had is the one I've carved out of the world myself."
[23:58] <Guriphu> Mist eyes Hycindal's bare feet and her smile broadens into a wry smirk.  "You might like walking more if you had some boots, though."
[23:58] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Oh, I didn't know you were a philosopher! Did you learn from Professor Green? He was great at that!"
[23:58] <Tristan> "Professor Green?"
[23:59] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Back at the Tower, he was our philosophy teacher. He could make any stupid idea sound smart and sophisticated!"
[00:00] * Tristan nods, "Right, you said you were a Tower wizard, yesterday."
[00:00] <Collein> "However, she has a point. This is a good place. Relaxing. I'd hate for it to be wrecked."
[00:01] * Hycindal shakes her head "I hate most shoes. They mess with my balance. I do have a pair of slippers, but otherwise, I prefer being barefoot."
[00:01] * Tristan snickers, "You should see them after a hard rain."
[00:02] <Tristan> "She'll wave her fingers at her toes so hard you'd think they'd fall off."
[00:02] <Tristan> and do her magic*
[00:03] <Guriphu> Brong... brong... brong... Your conversation is cut off by the tolling of a bell from the temple up the hill.
[00:03] <Hycindal> "What's the point of magic if it doesn't make life convenient?"
[00:03] <Hycindal> "Wet slippers are INconvenient."
[00:03] * Collein looks up at the chime.
[00:04] * Tristan looks around, "And what's that?"
[00:04] <Guriphu> Mist nods to Hycindal and looks like she's about to say some sort of agreement when the bell starts ringing and people start coming out onto the street.
[00:04] <Guriphu> The temple bell is ringing, but it's not time for church.  The streets start to stir, and gradually to fill with people gesturing and pointing.
[00:05] <Guriphu> Within a few minutes, the gossip has swept the town and the townsfolk have started streaming in opposite directions - most of them uphill, towards the shelter of the more defended upper level, and a few - mostly armed or puffed up with self-importance or both - down towards the road to the south.
[00:05] <Guriphu> From the anxious gossip sweeping the town, it's clear enough what's going on.  A large armed force has been spotted, marching on the town up the south road.
[00:05] <Hycindal> "That sounds suspiciously like a raid siren."
[00:05] <Hycindal> "Mine Elven ears doth nay decieve me."
[00:06] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Well, let's go see what it is! I'm curious!"
[00:06] <Collein> "Armed force, is it? I have a bad feeling about this."
[00:07] <Hycindal> "Honestly it sounds like the perfect opportunity to ply our respective crafts."
[00:07] <Hycindal> "Shall we?"
[00:07] <Guriphu> Mist gets her shortbow from her back and her bowstring from her pocket.  She strings the weapon quickly and nods.  "I'm curious, too."  She frowns, but then she looks hopeful.  "Maybe it's the dwarves?"
[00:08] <Hycindal> "And maybe I'll grow wings out of my ears and fly away!"
[00:08] <Collein> "C'mon." She jerks her head to the south. "Mist, if it looks bad, we run. No sense sticking around to get hurt more."
[00:08] * Hycindal sighs in mock whistfullness, batting her eyes to the sky.
[00:09] <Tristan> For once in the short amount of time you've met Tristan, the everpresent smile on his face seems to turn genuine as he considers the chime of the siren. "I like the sound of it, myself."
[00:09] <Guriphu> Mist giggles at Hycindal, though she looks tense.  You set off down the road, weaving through the traffic of people going the opposite direction.
[00:10] * Hycindal seems relaxed enough, or she's just very adept at hiding her pre-battle nervousness, setting off down the road toward the chiming bell.
[00:10] * Hycindal actually accompanies Mist.
[00:12] <Guriphu> Part of the way to the south end of town, you encounter Habber and Bonnoka, girded for battle in their scale armor, shields, and weaponry.  They are delighted, laughing and jostling each other cheerfully, and they wave to you.  "Nice cool day for it, whate'er it is, huh?" they say, completing one another's sentence.
[00:12] <Collein> "I prefer sun, but we can't win them all."
[00:13] <Tristan> Tristan, always dressed for a fight, merely has his sword drawn though nonetheless, as dangerous as he'll ever be. "A fight in the shade does sound rather lovely."
[00:14] <Guriphu> On arrival at the south road, you find yourself standing among a small group of people: the watchman with the magic greatsword who challenged you (eventually) when you came into town, a handful of his fellow guardsmen, about a dozen middle-aged men and half that number of women, with plenty of steel in their spines but precious little in their hands,
[00:14] <Hycindal> "Sun gets in your eyes." she chimes, cracks her knuckles loudly, rolling her joints to loosen up "Is it orcs? I hope it's orcs."
[00:15] <Guriphu> and a few teenagers hanging around the edges, looking excited and too young to be afraid.
[00:15] <Collein> "Any eyes spot anything?" she calls cheerily as they approach.
[00:17] <Guriphu> Coming down the hill, you also see Aedrys, the cleric, walking slowly down.  Behind her, but moving more quickly, a man in expensive robes flanked by several servants, is descending.  He arrives more quickly and you immediately place him as the master of the town by the way the people regard him: as an authority figure, but also something of an outsider.
[00:18] <Guriphu> He's armed with a quality longsword, but doesn't have the look of a warrior: a little bit plump, still somewhat handsome in advanced middle age, wearing lovely robes that would tangle if he sprinted and tear if he fought.
[00:19] <Guriphu> "Orcs," confirms one of the teenagers brightly.  "Hundreds of 'em!"
[00:20] <Guriphu> "About fifty," says the cop with the greatsword, grimly.  "But still more than enough."
[00:21] <Collein> "How far away are they?"
[00:21] <Hycindal> "Mist, catch me! I feel faint!" she smiles a little too eagerly, stage-collapsing into the Changeling.
[00:21] <Guriphu> "I expected as much," sighs the town-master airily.  "When the mountain fell, it was only a time before the tribes came over the wall to demand tribute."
[00:21] <Guriphu> Mist catches Hycindal, but doesn't look happy about it.
[00:22] <Guriphu> Greatsword: "Five minutes or so.  We'd have spotted them sooner, except for the rain."
[00:23] * Tristan looks at the ragtag fighting force, "How many do we have? And how well trained are they?"
[00:23] * Hycindal winks up at Mist before righting herself and approaching the group of well-off folk "What's the going rate for experienced swordhands?"
[00:24] <Guriphu> Aedrys arrives last, limping a little after the long descent, and wearing her many years more heavily than you've seen her.  Her apprentice is not with her, but the glint of steel armor is visible under her white robes.
[00:24] * Tristan whispers to Hyacinth, "This will end in a rout. Mind the tangle of their feet, should they fall and run."
[00:24] <Tristan> Hycindal*
[00:26] <Guriphu> Master: "Around thirty, counting  yourselves.  If it comes to a fight, we'll probably lose, even with the cleric.  It won't, though."  He sighs again, looking a bit ashamed.  "I'll give them what they want."
[00:26] <Collein> "And what will they demand?"
[00:26] * Hycindal whispers in return more good naturedly "Have some... faith. Nevermind."
[00:27] <Hycindal> At Collein's question, she perks up "Gold, treasure, weapons, ale, maidens."
[00:27] <Hycindal> "Anything they want really."
[00:27] <Guriphu> He shrugs and spreads his hands helplessly.
[00:28] <Hycindal> "I know of some Warlords who would purposefully demand more than a settlement could produce so they could just raid them anyways."
[00:28] * Tristan clicks his tongue, "So you intend on peaceable surrender, then." It's a statement, not a question.
[00:29] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Well that's not really good, is there anything else we can do?"
[00:29] <Guriphu> Master: "I'm sure we can come to a reasonable solution.  One doesn't become a leader of a large military force by being rash."
[00:30] <Hycindal> "No, you become the leader of a warband of Orc by being the biggest, and the smashiest, and being the most brutally cunning, and cunningly brutal."
[00:30] <Hycindal> "All of those traits are BAD for you."
[00:31] * Tristan nods in agreement, "Crude and inelegant. What a boring fight."
[00:33] * Collein narrows her eyes. "...they're the superior force. Arrogant, believing themselves winners already." She trails off in Elven, muttering something about trickery.
[00:33] * Hycindal understands Elven.
[00:33] <Guriphu> He turns to look at Hycindal.  "What do you propose, then?  We fight?  With a half dozen policemen, a gang of armed civilians, a few farmers, and a cleric who hasn't seen battle in thirty years?"
[00:33] <Tristan> "Five minutes away you say? No time to ride out and split their raiding party?"
[00:34] <Guriphu> "Three minutes by now," says greatsword.  "And I reckon the master would rather that you didn't provoke them."
[00:35] <Hycindal> "I propose the oldest and most noble of traditions! We FIGHT, so that we may live to run away." she smiles, hands on her hips. "First, you entertain their emmisary."
[00:35] <Hycindal> "Make it seem like you're all sycopantic and sniveling."
[00:36] <Hycindal> "Shouldn't be hard. Then, we field our main force, and in the confusion, I and my band of merry men and women utilize the confusion to assassinate the Warchief."
[00:36] <Tristan> "I've met an orc long enough to speak with them. I don't suppose we could fight off their leader and chase them away, could we?"
[00:36] <Tristan> I've never met*
[00:36] <Hycindal> "Their force falls into disarray. The chain of command dissolves."
[00:37] <Collein> "I wish it worked that way. The last time we fought them and killed their leader, the last ones didn't flee until they were the only ones left."
[00:38] <Hycindal> "While this is happening, the villagers bugger off in a not here direction - well yes, I didn't say this would be easy or lossless."
[00:40] <Hycindal> "If anybody else has a plan that isn't 'let them spread us wide and fuck us without a pityspit' I would love to hear it."
[00:40] <Hycindal> Her tone becomes hard and accusatory.
[00:41] * Tristan answers with a shrug, "I for one, relish a good fight. I'm in, if the others are."
[00:41] <Collein> "Easy, princess. I'm just informing you that they wouldn't break that easily. I wish they did, by the gods."
[00:43] * Hycindal says something in Elven aimed at Collein.
[00:46] <Collein> "Fair enough," she allows back in Common, "but I didn't have that advantage."
[00:48] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Well, I can't think of anything that will help us beat them in a straight fight. But I think they're mostly just xenophobic. They treat their tribes better than they treat outsiders."
[00:49] <Hycindal> "Now, Orcs here are different than the Orcs that menaced our Wood. These Orcs have relatively normal humanoid values - as Betrys says - to their own. Their general foreign policy is maim, kill, burn. Their only morality is force."
[00:49] * Tristan doesn't look pleased at the prospect of letting things go without a fight but speaks up regardless, "Then what do you propose?"
[00:50] <Guriphu> Mist: "You could try to get a better deal, at least.  Let them know you're as bad as they are.  Make them respect you on their terms before you try to bargain."
[00:50] <Collein> "So a fight. A duel, perhaps." With a knowing leer at Tristan.
[00:52] <Guriphu> Mist smiles faintly.  "Or they'll just kill you for trying.  But they'll kill you anyway if you don't, townmaster.  They'll take everything you have, laugh the whole time, and then they'll kill you, and they'll laugh while they do that, too, because you'll be a joke.  A funny joke.  Lots of laughs for the whole tribe."
[00:52] <Hycindal> "They might make him watch while they have turns with his wife."
[00:53] <Tristan> "I would laugh too, but I imagine that would be quite rude of me."
[00:54] <Hycindal> "We should PROBABLY decide. While we stand here 'debating' the Orcs march closer."
[00:54] <Guriphu> The master blusters.  "All of you be silent!  This is my town.  If you want to get yourselves killed, fine.  Go, meet them on the road and do whatever you want.  Maybe when they get here, those of us who are still alive will be able to reason with them."
[00:54] <Tristan> "Sounds like a plan to me."
[00:55] * Tristan leans close to Hycindal, "Honestly, this sounds like a terrible idea but we should give them the appearance of consolidation."
[00:56] <Hycindal> "All in favor of finding their big boy pants and not listening to THIS softhead?" she motions to the mayor/lord/whatever "Say aye."
[00:57] <Tristan> "Let's go."
[01:00] * Collein makes a soothing motion at the master. "Betrys knows what she's talking about, I'm sure. I say we give that a chance. Show them we mean as much business as they do. If they take exception...you can attempt your plan instead."
[01:00] <Guriphu> Hycindal's attempt at diplomacy doesn't accomplish anything.  The few people who have decided appear to have decided in favor of the established authority, and the bystander effect takes care of keeping the rest where they are.
[01:02] * Hycindal throws up her hands "Well fine then."
[01:02] <Guriphu> Cleric Aedrys: "I could go."
[01:03] <Guriphu> The townsfolk all turn to her, even the Master.
[01:03] <Hycindal> "Why should you? I think the leaders should cross swords."
[01:04] * Hycindal gazes at the Master.
[01:04] <Collein> "Because she represents Torm," she says simply.
[01:04] <Hycindal> "Pardon me for being Elfy and not from here - but who the Crimbus is Torm?"
[01:05] <Guriphu> Aedrys: "I don't have many years left.  There are worse ways for an old warrior to die."
[01:05] <Tristan> "God of battles. Loves smashing things."
[01:07] <Collein> "I wouldn't gainsay your efforts, Reverend Aedrys, but maybe we should go with you?"
[01:08] <Guriphu> Master: "You should stay here.  The people need you."
[01:10] <Guriphu> Aedrys: "They do.  But where?  If they go, I will go."  She smiles.  "How could it be any other way?  I did not earn the favor of the god by cowering in a temple while others faced death."
[01:11] <Tristan> "Can't speak for any of you, but I'd prefer to snuff out my life in battle. Hanging off the edge of another man's blade than lie around in a bed, waiting for my end."
[01:11] <Guriphu> Greatsword points.  "Look."
[01:11] <Betrys_Kindrick> "Well, I'm not so interested in dying in battle specifically, but I wouldn't mind dying to do the right thing."
[01:12] <Guriphu> The orcs are visible, a heavily armed mass of glimmering steel in the middle distance down the road.
[01:12] <Tristan> "If you're going to make a decision, do it now. They come."
[01:12] * Tristan turns on his heel and begins marching out to meet the orcs, turning his head to see if any of the others follow."
[01:13] <Guriphu> Greatsword: "I respect what you're saying but I'm staying with the master.  I swore an oath.  If you're going to go, go."
[01:13] <Hycindal> "Corellon wouldn't forgive me. My family would not forgive me if I backed away from this."
[01:14] * Betrys_Kindrick jumps down to follow.
[01:14] * Hycindal draws her scimitar slowly and follows.
[01:14] <Tristan> "Fate favors the fearless, and all that. Never was much for Tymora's dusty old scriptures though."
[01:15] <Collein> "Best of luck," she says to the greatsword-wielding guardsman. "We'll be back." With a tip of her cap, she stands with Aedrys, ready to go when the cleric is.
[01:17] <Guriphu> Habber and Bonnoka are right there at the front of the line with you.  Mist hesitates for a long moment, then grins madly and follows.
[01:19] <Guriphu> You step out onto the road.  The light rain wets your faces a little but leaving you dry under your clothes.  The orcs draw closer as you walk out to meet them.
[01:19] * Hycindal winks at Mist "You gonna catch me if I feel faint again?" she jokes
[01:19] <Tristan> "Just let her fall into the ground next time."
[01:19] <Guriphu> "No," says Mist with manic good cheer.  "If you fall, it'll be because you're dead."
[01:19] <Tristan> "She's too used to getting what she wants."