UsernameMDM Posted December 3, 2013 Posted December 3, 2013 "Baltarok? Aye. Lived there all my life." "Good. Mayhaps you could clue me in on the history of this bridge and what all the hub bub is about."
Zepher Posted December 3, 2013 Posted December 3, 2013 Tesni sat on the deck watching the comings and goings. "So, two gangs going out to this far off land." She muttered across to the kobold. "Not that I mind so long as I get to lay my head and eat fair rations. Though, might you tell me a little of the other two here who seem to know you?" The berserker idly laid her sword harness to the deck, the weapons near at hand. "I have nothing against fighting the others if our paths were to cross at odds, mark you. It would be interesting to test my strength against." "What other two do you mean? No one else here knows me," he says with a grin. "That phrase that Orc uses for me is a nickname for my kind, I'd wager. Do you want to wager on it? I love to wager." "Doesn't surprise me that no one knows me. Generally that's the way with us small folk! No one pays us much heed. And I don't want you going up against anyone else, per say, but it's good to know that you're willing to. Heweyrt and the High Kingdoms wants to see the bridge built - and that means befriending the Orcs, not angering them, far as I know."
Sisco Posted December 3, 2013 Posted December 3, 2013 Jess laughed and gave a sympathetic look toward Haldor. "There, there my dear. We'll be in Baltarok before you know it!" Jess then turned her attention to Olmstyr. "What can you tell me about Vim-Lhzar and its kidnapped leader?"
CMP Posted December 3, 2013 Author Posted December 3, 2013 "Good. Mayhaps you could clue me in on the history of this bridge and what all the hub bub is about." "You'll have to ask your little friend there. Doubtless he has more information than I about the bridge. As far as the hubbub around it? It's more or less stoking the flames we've barely kept covered between Baltarok and the Kingdoms since the Invasion."
UsernameMDM Posted December 3, 2013 Posted December 3, 2013 "You'll have to ask your little friend there. Doubtless he has more information than I about the bridge. As far as the hubbub around it? It's more or less stoking the flames we've barely kept covered between Baltarok and the Kingdoms since the Invasion." "Ah, you see, that is what I am after. Why does the tension remain? And does this bridge exacerbate the situation?"
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 Jess then turned her attention to Olmstyr. "What can you tell me about Vim-Lhzar and its kidnapped leader?" "Vim-Lhzar is technically the oldest of the clan capitals, but it's constantly being rebuilt, added to, and enhanced, so it looks entirely different than it did a hundred years ago - you wouldn't guess they were the same city if they didn't share the name and location. It's Baltarok's largest port, and used to hold our only shipyard, but it was burned and pillaged shortly after the assassination of Tarokai. To rebuild it wouldn't be a far cry from declaring war. The Kingdoms assume any ship we want to build would be to ferry soldiers to their land...it's been Clan Irlaz's capital for most of its existence, so the clan leaders usually reside there. The shipyards are long gone, but being it's still a port, most ships that can slip past the vikings, Bonapartes, and Kingdom ships patrolling the Helvetian Sea land there, at least for a while. Thus, Vim-Lhzar is both largest port, oldest capital, and holds the only notable non-orc population in Baltarok. It's not a huge percentage, and most are mercenaries hiding from other authorities, but it's still significant." He looked out to the ocean for a moment. "Clan Irlaz is also the oldest clan. Four centuries ago, Vim-Lhzar was the closest you would find to a viking city. Before everyone stepped up security on the Helvetian, mercenaries run amok in the capital. Since all clans were....less restrained back then, the vikings would sometimes use the smaller inter-clan wars to their advantage, pillaging towns with weakened defenses, launching dozens of ships from the port at a time...but after the time of Tarokai, Irlaz and the vikings lost touch. Violently. We stopped being bloodthirsty raiders, which evidently they didn't agree with. They tried to attack us for some time, in vain, but after a few years they mostly left us alone. Until a few months back. A small force swept in, stole away Grishnod, and were gone before anyone knew what'd happened. He was a fine leader. His family's been in control for quite some time. Now his daughter Bastala rules in his stead. She's...." The orc paused, scratching the back of his head. "...not...what you would expect out of a clan leader."
Sisco Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "...not...what you would expect out of a clan leader." Jess raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the statement. "Care to elaborate on that a tad?"
Masked Builder Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 The bearded dwarf looks up at Alexis as he seasons the bubbling stew in the cauldron. "Name's Melvin, Miss Elf! This here? Secret recipe. I call it Dragonfire Stew. 'Tis only for the crew I'm afraid, but...well, heheh, sometimes my gamblin' gets the better of me, and I may have served some here and there over the years. Maybe you'd like a shot at some? Captain says it's been mighty useful in the heat of battle." "Most certainly. I'm always up for some fun."
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 "Ah, you see, that is what I am after. Why does the tension remain? And does this bridge exacerbate the situation?" Olmstyr looked hard at Hoke. "Humans have been enslaving our kind since the two races met. Tarokai wanted things to change. Bring our people back to glory, free every orc alive. He slaughtered hundreds of thousands on his conquest. Any human that stood in his way. Man, woman, child. It was a mission of vengeance. Not for him. For our race. Anyone from the Kingdoms would call him the most murderous warlord who ever lived. Anyone in Baltarok would call him the greatest hero in all our history. Then he was murdered. More of us were enslaved than ever before. This time, filled with bitterness, having tasted what almost was. We don't want another war, and even if there was, we wouldn't have the strength to survive it. But living knowing many of our race still live in chains...." The orc sighed. "I fear the tension will never ease. The bridge spans the river that's divided us since time began. Crossing waters fraught with vikings is the only practical - if you call it that - way of getting from Baltarok to the Kingdoms, or the other way around. The bridge defeats that natural barrier. Whoever owns the bridge has complete, unhindered access to the other's lands."
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 Jess raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the statement. "Care to elaborate on that a tad?" "Well...her very existence is a bit of a scandal. Physically...well, if she was much paler she could pass for human. Imaginably this caused some problems during Grishnod's rule, but at least he had the authority to dispel anyone who might question the issue directly. She's also a mage - conventional magic is incredibly rare among orcs, and generally frowned on, excluding our shamans and healers. But now that she has power, her personality is what's causing the biggest ripples. She's making changes. Big ones. Mostly she's been loosening laws of tradition. It's said Tarok frowns upon those who drink, very few do it in public. Such is no longer the case in Clan Irlaz. She's also been improving rights for migrants in Vim-Lhzar....which may sound reasonable to you, but not to the resident orcs. Especially not since most migrants are mercenaries, smugglers, or pirates. The leader of Clan Irlaz has the most direct contact with outsiders, and it seems Bastala is all for more of it." "Most certainly. I'm always up for some fun." "Aha, very good!" The dwarf sets down his ladle and rummages around behind the cauldron for a moment before pulling out a wooden box. "Let's play some Heroica RPG, eh?" "You can wager however many coins you like on each match, winner takes all. For everyone 30 coins you wager, I'll throw in a bowlful of Dragonfire Stew on my side of the bet instead." Bet 1-29 coins, and he'll match your wager. Bet 30, you get the stew. 31-59, you get the stew as well as your wager minus the 30 for the stew, etc.
Masked Builder Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "Hmm. Sounds quite fun. Strategy games are enjoyable. Let's see..." Alexis thinks for a moment, then plunks 30 coins on the box. "Barbarian, Mage, Rogue, Ranger, Cleric, Knight." That is what I was supposed to do right?
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 (edited) "Hmm. Sounds quite fun. Strategy games are enjoyable. Let's see..." Alexis thinks for a moment, then plunks 30 coins on the box. "Barbarian, Mage, Rogue, Ranger, Cleric, Knight." That is what I was supposed to do right? Yep. Melvin sets up a series of miniatures. Round One of Heroica RPG! Alexis vs. Melvin Barbarian vs. Mage - Tie Mage vs. Ranger - Heroica! Rogue vs. Barbarian - Forces of Evil! Ranger vs. Knight - Forces of Evil! Cleric vs. Cleric - Tie Knight vs. Rogue - Forces of Evil! Forces of Evil win Round One! Alexis' Barbarian withstands Melvin's Mage's fireball, but neither can gain an advantage over the other. The Clerics engage in a philosophical debate while Melvin's Rogue stabs Alexis' Knight in the back. Both Rangers are killed with ease, but Melvin's Barbarian splits the Heroican Rogue's head, winning the round for the Forces of Evil. "Ready for Round Two, Miss Elf?" Edited December 4, 2013 by CallMePie
Masked Builder Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "Damn. Knight, Barbarian, Rogue, Range, Mage, Cleric." She plunks down another 30 coins.
UsernameMDM Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 (edited) Olmstyr looked hard at Hoke. "Humans have been enslaving our kind since the two races met. Tarokai wanted things to change. Bring our people back to glory, free every orc alive. He slaughtered hundreds of thousands on his conquest. Any human that stood in his way. Man, woman, child. It was a mission of vengeance. Not for him. For our race. Anyone from the Kingdoms would call him the most murderous warlord who ever lived. Anyone in Baltarok would call him the greatest hero in all our history. Then he was murdered. More of us were enslaved than ever before. This time, filled with bitterness, having tasted what almost was. We don't want another war, and even if there was, we wouldn't have the strength to survive it. But living knowing many of our race still live in chains...." The orc sighed. "I fear the tension will never ease. The bridge spans the river that's divided us since time began. Crossing waters fraught with vikings is the only practical - if you call it that - way of getting from Baltarok to the Kingdoms, or the other way around. The bridge defeats that natural barrier. Whoever owns the bridge has complete, unhindered access to the other's lands." Hoke stroked his stumbled face as the orc spoke. His fears seemed well founded, but, like every tale, there was bound to be another side to story. "Tis a pity for your people. I hope a peaceful resolution presents itself that is mutually beneficial for the Kingdoms and for Baltarok. Seems to me maybe the vikings are a common nemesis?" Edited December 4, 2013 by UsernameMDM
Sisco Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 Jess watched the game with interest. "Could you play two at once by any chance?"
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 "Damn. Knight, Barbarian, Rogue, Range, Mage, Cleric." She plunks down another 30 coins. The dwarf returns the elf's offered gold. "A match lasts three rounds Miss, your luck with you current wager's not out just yet!" Round Two of Heroica RPG! Alexis vs. Melvin Knight vs. Barbarian - Heroica! Barbarian vs. Rogue- Heroica! Rogue vs. Cleric - Forces of Evil! Ranger vs. Mage - Forces of Evil! Mage vs. Ranger - Heroica! Cleric vs. Knight - Draw Heroica wins Round Two! Alexis' offensive front shines true. Melvin's Mage incinerates her Ranger, but her Mage and Barbarian burns and crush Melvin's Ranger and Rogue respectively. Alexis' own Rogue is disciplined by Melvin's Cleric, while her own cripples, but can't kill Melvin's Knight. "One more round, then! Whatcha' got?"
Masked Builder Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "Better." She says quietly. "Mage, Barbarian, Ranger, Knight, Cleric, Rogue."
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 "Tis a pity for your people. I hope a peace resolution presents itself that is mutually beneficial for the Kingdoms and for Baltarok. Seems to me maybe the vikings are a common nemesis?" "As do I. Perhaps they are, but no more have shown up since they captured Grishnod. I fear there's little hope for him, they haven't demanded a ransom. But as it is, we have enough on our plate, with neither the resources nor ships to pursue them. Jess watched the game with interest. "Could you play two at once by any chance?" "Always got time to make money or dish out grub, hah. Make your wager!" Round Three of Heroica RPG! Alexis vs. Melvin Mage vs. Mage - Draw Barbarian vs. Cleric - Heroica! Ranger vs. Ranger - Draw Knight vs. Knight - Draw Cleric vs. Rogue - Heroica! Rogue vs. Barbarian - Forces of Evil! Heroica wins Round Three! Melvin's Barbarian puts down Alexis' Rogue, but with most of his forces distracted, her Cleric and Barbarian lead the heroes to victory. "Ahh! Bad rolls, I suppose. Excellent game, Miss! Here you go." Melvin hands Alexis back her wager of 30 gold, and produces a bowl, into which he spoons a portion of the thick stew. It's steaming wildly, and Alexis' eyes water just by smelling it. Dragonfire Stew - (Grants the consumer the encouraged and inspired effects for the duration of one battle) "Be careful with that miss, it's got a, eh...bit of a kick."
Sisco Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 Jess put down 30 gold and thought a moment on the battle order. "Hm..." Knight Ranger Barbarian Rogue Cleric Mage
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 Round One of Heroica RPG! Jess vs. Melvin Knight vs. Rogue - Forces of Evil! Ranger vs. Cleric - Heroica! Barbarian vs. Barbarian - Draw Rogue vs. Mage - Heroica! Cleric vs. Knight - Draw Mage vs. Ranger - Heroica! Heroica wins Round One! Melvin's Rogue swiftly assassinates Jess's Knight, but her own retaliates by stabbing Melvin's Mage in the back, whilst hers toasts Melvin's Ranger to a crisp. Her Cleric and his Knight are locked in heated combat as their Barbarians test their skills against one another, but Jess's Ranger leaves Melvin's dark Cleric a pincushion. "Damn. Round two, then? I can still take it back yet!
UsernameMDM Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "As do I. Perhaps they are, but no more have shown up since they captured Grishnod. I fear there's little hope for him, they haven't demanded a ransom. But as it is, we have enough on our plate, with neither the resources nor ships to pursue them. "Who is Grishnod, and why was he/she kidnapped? Who is building the side of the bridge in Baltarok? Sorry for all of these inquiries, but I am an inquisitive fellow," Hoke says with a disarming smile.
Sisco Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 Jess smiled at her first round victory. Barbarian Knight Mage Rogue Cleric Ranger
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 "Who is Grishnod, and why was he/she kidnapped? Who is building the side of the bridge in Baltarok? Sorry for all of these inquiries, but I am an inquisitive fellow," Hoke says with a disarming smile. "As I mentioned to the assassin, Grishnod was the leader of Clan Irlaz. As to why he was taken? That's a good question. They didn't have the forces for a full-scale attack. They didn't go rampantly pillaging the area. They just took him and left. It's very unlike vikings. I'm sure he was their only target, but I couldn't even begin to guess why. The Kingdoms are in full control of the bridge's construction. We're not really in a position to retaliate just because they set foot on our land."
CMP Posted December 4, 2013 Author Posted December 4, 2013 Round Two of Heroica RPG! Jess vs. Melvin Barbarian vs. Barbarian - Draw Knight vs. Knight - Draw Mage vs. Cleric - Forces of Evil! Rogue vs. Mage - Heroica! Cleric vs. Rogue - Heroica! Ranger vs. Ranger - Draw Heroica wins Round Two! Melvin's Mage fights to the last breath, torching Jess's Rogue, but her forces overwhelm those of evil. "Ahhh, hell," The dwarf chuckles. "Well, a bet's a bet, Miss!" He hands Jess back her gold along with a bowlful of Dragonfire Stew.
The Legonater Posted December 4, 2013 Posted December 4, 2013 "Went off to knock-off an old dictator someplace called Lacticium - something like that anyway - went without many hitches, saved the damsel in distress, the usual stuff." "Sure, I went on all kinds of boats... when I had to... when I was forced. We were too far up in the north to be involved in any of the regular raids, but now and again, the big blokes'd take their little boys along to sink some ship and make them into men. The trick is to be too busy chucking over the side to do much and get sent home. I hate the way it moves, there ain't no place I can stand without the bloody floor moving underneath. How am I supposed to do anything when the ground can't even stand still? Bloody hell..." Haldor hunched over and shut his eyes tightly, clutching his stomach. Really? I was always a fan of the ocean. The glistening sunset in the pale water, the open sea all around you... made me feel alive. Of course, I never did see it that often. So often I was running around inside the walls of Duplovia, off on whatever assignment. If it weren't for family tradition, I'd have probably found a way into a navy somewhere. Better than being cooped up all day. I guess that's part of what attracted me to Eubric. 'Freeport'? That's what I like to hear.
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