Redlun VI

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12a8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B>Redlun Archives</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id202.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXV"><U><B>Volumes XXV to </B></U></A><B>XXXXV</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id295.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXXXVI"><U><B>Volumes XXXXVI to L</B></U></A><B>XV</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id259.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Village"><U><B>Redlun Village Map</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id181.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Plans"><U><B>Redlun Manor Plans</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id178.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Survey"><U><B>Redlun Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id179.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun Decree"><U><B>Redlun Decree</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Missiledine's Archives</B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|</B><B>     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missiledines Archives"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun I"><U>Redlun I</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id90.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun II"><U>Redlun II</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun III"><U>Redlun III</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id93.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IV"><U>Redlun IV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun V"><U>Redlun V</U></A>   |   <B>Redlun VI</B>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun VII"><U>Redlun VII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IIX"><U>Redlun IIX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id98.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IX"><U>Redlun IX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun X"><U>Redlun X</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id100.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XI"><U>Redlun XI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id101.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XII"><U>Redlun XII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id102.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIII"><U>Redlun XIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id103.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XIV"><U>Redlun XIV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id167.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XV"><U>Redlun XV</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id168.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVI"><U>Redlun XVI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id169.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XVII"><U>Redlun XVII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id171.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXVIII"><U>RedlunXVIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun IXX"><U>Redlun IXX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id173.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XX"><U>Redlun XX</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id182.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXI"><U>Redlun XXI</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id193.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXII"><U>Redlun XXII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id194.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RedlunXXIII"><U>RedlunXXIII</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id197.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Redlun XXIV"><U>Redlun XXIV</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U><B>Archive Directory</B></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="12b8dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Redlun VI</I></div> <bR> <div> Session 6 </div> <div>                                                                  CST Series 2 Velitrium: Varsol River,</div> <div>                                                                  Drunmore City </div> <div>                                                                  Player: Duke, Tacit </div> <div>                                                                  PC: Athamar, Jacinta </div> <bR> <bR> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: well, how hard will it be to unload</div> <div>                                                                  the horses? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: For you? Not hard at all. Tell</div> <div>                                                                  someone else to do it </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: lol. good point. i expect they</div> <div>                                                                  could do with some excercise. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Gallus will go and talk to the</div> <div>                                                                  dack manager and get directions to the</div> <div>                                                                  Army barracks. He will then tell you </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. Athamar will go with Ollyn,</div> <div>                                                                  miklas and nordan to the barracks. Does</div> <div>                                                                  Gallus want to come along? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: oh,. the fighter with smithing</div> <div>                                                                  skill,s he should come as well. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Drunmore is a very old city,</div> <div>                                                                  several centuries older than Velitrium. It</div> <div>                                                                  was also built to a different style than</div> <div>                                                                  Velitrium. Drunmore looks, or so you'vr </div> <div>                                                                  heard sages say, like a city in Calbazar </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Gallus will come </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. hmmm.... make sure that</div> <div>                                                                  people can step off the boat, to stretch their</div> <div>                                                                  legs. but don't go far, who is a good person</div> <div>                                                                  to delegate? maybe Ollyn should </div> <div>                                                                  stay since he is experiences nd people will</div> <div>                                                                  listen to him. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The streets are mostly paved,</div> <div>                                                                  tho narrow and crowded </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Ollyn will take charge </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: great. that makes a party of five,</div> <div>                                                                  adequate. we go to the barracks </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You head off into the city.</div> <div>                                                                  Despite the directions, Gallus will need to</div> <div>                                                                  ask someone for help before you finally see</div> <div>                                                                  the barracks </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. Athamar takes in the</div> <div>                                                                  sights. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: There is a main entrance,</div> <div>                                                                  which will allow unauthorized visitors to only</div> <div>                                                                  go so far. Two sentries bar your way. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Gallus steps forward, "Lord</div> <div>                                                                  Redlun, to see the Garrison Commander." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The soldiers come to attention,</div> <div>                                                                  briefly, then a corporal appears from</div> <div>                                                                  anearby doorway. "What can I do for you,</div> <div>                                                                  My Lord?' </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: he is addressing me directly? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: yes </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You look the part </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "I am Athamar Tallanar, Lordof</div> <div>                                                                  Redlun. I am here to aquire weapons and</div> <div>                                                                  equipment. My authorization." He gestures</div> <div>                                                                  with his paper. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The corp looks surprised, then</div> <div>                                                                  says, "Please wait here a moment, My</div> <div>                                                                  Lord." He will disappear back into the</div> <div>                                                                  doorway. You can hear muffled voices </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: A moment later a young officer</div> <div>                                                                  comes out. "I am Lt Falgar, My Lord. What</div> <div>                                                                  is this about?" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Leiutenant." Athamar looks at</div> <div>                                                                  him steadily. "I am here to draw weapons</div> <div>                                                                  and equipment for twenty men. I expect that</div> <div>                                                                  that this is the place. Would you </div> <div>                                                                  careto read my authorization?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "If you please, My Lord." He</div> <div>                                                                  holds out his hand </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: I wish the Athamar sessions</div> <div>                                                                  were up. I forget the exact wording. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar hands him. the paper. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: I can mail it </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: np. as long as A is not making an</div> <div>                                                                  ass of himself. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: doing fine at it </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: jsut as long as the details fit. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The officer takes the paper,</div> <div>                                                                  skims it, sees the Royal Seal and stiffens.</div> <div>                                                                  He passes the paper back to you. "Please,</div> <div>                                                                  My Lord, follow me to the </div> <div>                                                                  Commander's office." He looks at your men</div> <div>                                                                  at arms. "I'm sorry sir, I must ask that your</div> <div>                                                                  troops remain here." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods to his troops. "Of</div> <div>                                                                  course, may my steward accompany me?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Certainly, My Lord." He leads</div> <div>                                                                  the way across the parade ground </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods. and follows.</div> <div>                                                                  Lookingaround a bit curiously. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: There are about two hundred</div> <div>                                                                  light, crossbow armed infantry practicing</div> <div>                                                                  formations and volleying in the parade</div> <div>                                                                  ground. Their targets are a phalanx of </div> <div>                                                                  straw figures </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: A half dozen officers are</div> <div>                                                                  standing on a platform ovverlooking the</div> <div>                                                                  formation. The Lt leads you to this platform,</div> <div>                                                                  taking care not to get in the way of a </div> <div>                                                                  volley in the process </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: good idea </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: He climbs the wooden steps,</div> <div>                                                                  approaches a well dressed, elderly man</div> <div>                                                                  and stiffens to attention, waiting to be</div> <div>                                                                  acknowledged. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar waits patiently. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You know that the Commander</div> <div>                                                                  HAD to see you three coming, but he takes</div> <div>                                                                  his time turning to recognize the Lt. "Yes?"</div> <div>                                                                  He asks </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The Ly salutes, "A Lord</div> <div>                                                                  Athamar of Redlun with a roya;l requisition,</div> <div>                                                                  Sir!" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: query. do I recognize the</div> <div>                                                                  commander's rank or badge or nobility? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The senior officer steps pasdt</div> <div>                                                                  the Lt and regards you. He wears the plain</div> <div>                                                                  blue uniform tunic of the Royal Army with</div> <div>                                                                  the gold braids and sash of a senior </div> <div>                                                                  officer. The equivilant of a General or Full</div> <div>                                                                  Colonel. "Lord Athamar?" He queries </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: (Velitrium ranks are not as</div> <div>                                                                  clearly defined as modern ones) </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "I am Athamar Tallanar.</div> <div>                                                                  General...?" making ita question </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Weylan. Sir, Weylan." He</div> <div>                                                                  extends a hand. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar takes it. "Ah. General</div> <div>                                                                  Weylan. Pleasure to make your</div> <div>                                                                  acquintance." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Redlun... Redlun... Hmm,</div> <div>                                                                  West of here. Near Oak Hall?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: (Socially you are equals, the</div> <div>                                                                  fact of his military position makes him</div> <div>                                                                  slightly your superior) </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Yes. The very one. Have you</div> <div>                                                                  been there, General?" Athamar uses his</div> <div>                                                                  first name, general.... :-) </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "yes I have, some years back.</div> <div>                                                                  Routine patrol. What can I do for you, Lord</div> <div>                                                                  Athamar?" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: as an alternate, do I call him sir</div> <div>                                                                  or lord or my lord.? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: (Sir Weyland) </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: (Knights of the Velitar are</div> <div>                                                                  picky about these things) </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Tacit has arrived </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Sir Weyland, I have recently</div> <div>                                                                  been entrusted by His Majesty with the care</div> <div>                                                                  of Redlun. To that end, I am to draw</div> <div>                                                                  equipment, apparently from captured </div> <div>                                                                  equipment. We will be some distance from</div> <div>                                                                  help, and we are going to have to look after</div> <div>                                                                  ourselves for the most part." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Troy didn't know we were</div> <div>                                                                  playing. hmmm. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "hmm, yes, you will be out</div> <div>                                                                  there on the flank." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: My fault I think. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: np </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "May I see the order?" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Quite so, General." Athamar</div> <div>                                                                  hands him the order. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Sir Weyland scans the paper,</div> <div>                                                                  checks the seal then nods to himself. "Yes,</div> <div>                                                                  it all appears to be in order. Come with me,</div> <div>                                                                  My Lord." He hangs on to the </div> <div>                                                                  paper. Before leaving the platform he turns</div> <div>                                                                  to the other officers. "Captain, put them</div> <div>                                                                  through sixty more shots. Then the close</div> <div>                                                                  order. The second company needs to </div> <div>                                                                  speed up their reloading." Dukejr01: Athamar follows wordlessly </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: or actually he keeps pace with the</div> <div>                        general but slightly back. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Sir Weyland leads you to</div> <div>                        themain building complex. A sentry opens the</div> <div>                        door with a </div> <div>                        salute. You follow him down a hall, down a</div> <div>                        flight of stairs, along several more halls. Along</div> <div>                        the way </div> <div>                        the soldiers get smartly out of your way,</div> <div>                        cracking to attention and salutinf smartly. Sir</div> <div>                        Weyland </div> <div>                        pushes open a door and marches into a long</div> <div>                        room with an arched ceiling. Three quarters of</div> <div>                        the room </div> <div>                        is beyond a set of iron gat </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I'm back </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Missiledine: gates. This side of the room has</div> <div>                        an office area with a rather messy desk and a</div> <div>                        sleepy </div> <div>                        looking officer sitting behind it. He looks up,</div> <div>                        annoyed at the intrusion. Instantly he is on his</div> <div>                        feet. </div> <div>                        "SIR!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Sir Weyland galres at him, then</div> <div>                        looks around the chamber with increasing</div> <div>                        disgust. </div> <div>                        "Ensign Dorin, isn't it?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Err, yes sir." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "This is Lord Athamar, please</div> <div>                        see that his requisition is filled. Properly.</div> <div>                        Proptly and </div> <div>                        don't pass off the junk. Got it?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Yes Suir!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Weylen looks at you. "Join me in</div> <div>                        my quarters for some refreshment when you</div> <div>                        are </div> <div>                        done here?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (Should be Promptly) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar is pleased. "Thank you Sir</div> <div>                        Weyland. Of course, I shall be delighted to</div> <div>                        join you. </div> <div>                        may I have a couple of my men assist me?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "The Ensign here will be HAPPY</div> <div>                        to assist you. WON'T YOU?" The General</div> <div>                        growls </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Oh yes sir!" </div> <div>                        tacit01: <tee hee> </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar supresses a smile. bows</div> <div>                        slightly to the general. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "If you need more muscle, we'll</div> <div>                        find some other lazy dogs to do the work."</div> <div>                        The General </div> <div>                        growls </div> <div>                        Missiledine: With a nod to you and an icy</div> <div>                        stare to the Ensign, he leaves </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: what time is it? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Where? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Drunmore Standard.... 10:00am </div> <div>                        Missiledine: give or take </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "well, Ensign. Weapons and</div> <div>                        equipment for 20 men. Lets get to it, then." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar looks at Gallus. "Looks</div> <div>                        like we will be able to ship out again today." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Err, Yes Sir." He leads the way</div> <div>                        back to the gates, fumbling with some keys.</div> <div>                        He </div> <div>                        unlocks them, hurries in and fetches a couple</div> <div>                        lanterns and starts lighting them </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar uses his continual light. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I hope so, my Lord" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The Ensign blinks, "Oh, thats</div> <div>                        much better, my Lord. Yes, indeed." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus takes out his as well </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar casually casts continual</div> <div>                        light on the ensign's lamp. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The officer leads the way back</div> <div>                        into the chamber. You see that the far end is T</div> <div>                        shaped </div> <div>                        and all along the walls and down the center</div> <div>                        are rack after rack of weapons and armor.</div> <div>                        Probably </div> <div>                        enough to equip 500 men. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Oh! Thank you Sir!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: There are all size and shape of</div> <div>                        shields, helms, swords, axes, maces, flails,</div> <div>                        picks, </div> <div>                        daggars, mauls and hammers. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grins "That will last a few</div> <div>                        days." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Conspicuously absent are</div> <div>                        Spears, javelins, crossbows and bows </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. Athamar is going for medium</div> <div>                        armour. chainmail, med shield. swords. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. equipment for20 mean</div> <div>                        probably consists of a suit or armour, helm,</div> <div>                        shield, primary </div> <div>                        weapon, secondary weapon and perhaps</div> <div>                        missle weapon? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Armor is a bit limited in type.</div> <div>                        There is no chainmail visible. Leather, stud</div> <div>                        leather, scale, </div> <div>                        lamellar. Both Byrnes and Hauberks </div> <div>                        Missiledine: What you see is what you got </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: what about helms? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: All of it appears to have been</div> <div>                        cleaned of dirt and blood. Oiled and put away </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: good. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: All kinds of helms </div> <div>                        Missiledine: There is some visible damage.</div> <div>                        But from the looks of things someone</div> <div>                        assessed it before </div> <div>                        storing it and pulled the real junk out </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. can we put together pot</div> <div>                        helms or another kind of openfaced helm that</div> <div>                        roughly </div> <div>                        match eachother? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Well, most don't have any crest</div> <div>                        or decoration. Those that do will be hard to</div> <div>                        match up. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: well, i am not too worried about it.</div> <div>                        just similar type. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: med shields? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: No problem </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. armour. i think A wants to get</div> <div>                        about half studded leather and half scale or</div> <div>                        lamellar. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus asks, why not get all the</div> <div>                        good stuff?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. that is a good idea. Athamar</div> <div>                        nods. he will tell Gallus about it later </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: swords, got 20 broadswords? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yep </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: cool. :-) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus says, quietly, "Spread the</div> <div>                        weapons around some, My Lord" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. like what? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Split up the types. We have no</div> <div>                        idea who will be using them or what their skills</div> <div>                        will be. </div> <div>                        Get a few broadswords, some shortswords, a</div> <div>                        couple axes, falchion blades... like that" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar agrees. say, 10</div> <div>                        broadswords, 4 shortswords, 2 axes, 2</div> <div>                        falchions, randon 2 </div> <div>                        others. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus is no expert, but he has</div> <div>                        handled a few blades in his time, so he looks</div> <div>                        the stuff </div> <div>                        over thart theEnsign pulls out. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He rejects two swords for nicks</div> <div>                        and one axe for a cracked head and haft </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar is thinking htat swords are</div> <div>                        more valuable, we can always make axes, </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Good point </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Couple scimitars here too </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. a couple scimitars to round it</div> <div>                        out at 20 </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: A was thinking studded leather</div> <div>                        because his troops are likely to be in the</div> <div>                        woods alot, but </div> <div>                        we can make leather too </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Good. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: secondary weapons? large knives?</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: You have astack of shields,</div> <div>                        helms, swords and armor. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: All sizes, single edged, double</div> <div>                        edged, straight, curved... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. "Well, Ensign. Looks like</div> <div>                        we'll need some help carrying this all out." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: also hand axes, small hammers,</div> <div>                        maces... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Yes, sir. If you'll excuse me, My</div> <div>                        Lord. I'll line some up." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. 10 large knives, 6 small axes,</div> <div>                        2 hammers and 2 maces for secondary </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hand axes </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus looks around, "Why no</div> <div>                        crossbows or bows or spears or anything like</div> <div>                        that?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The Ensign smiles, "Army regs</div> <div>                        sir. Most of that stuff is reissued to the troops</div> <div>                        sir." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar wondered about that. any</div> <div>                        blowguns? ;-) </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Err, no, My Lord." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that meant I was kidding. Iforgot</div> <div>                        you say it, your charactor says it. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yep </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar just shakes his head.</div> <div>                        "Round up some help then" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hey troy: Don't say anything! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: About ten minutes later the</div> <div>                        ensign returns with three soldiers and, as a</div> <div>                        mark of </div> <div>                        intelligence, wheelbarrows. </div> <div>                        tacit01: <burp> </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (Troy has his, or her, own</div> <div>                        problems) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: alright then. Athamar is done here.</div> <div>                        He leaves this in Gallus' hands, and goes to</div> <div>                        see the </div> <div>                        General. </div> <div>                        tacit01: is that a blowgun in your pants or are</div> <div>                        you just glad to see me :-* </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Asking a soldier for directions</div> <div>                        will get you an escort to his quarters. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: good </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The soldier will knock and wait till</div> <div>                        a servant opens the door. He will then get out</div> <div>                        of your </div> <div>                        way </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Athamar Tallanar. I am here to see</div> <div>                        Sir Weylen." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The servant bows, "Yes, My</div> <div>                        Lord." And lets you in. He escorts you to a</div> <div>                        sitting room </div> <div>                        where a selection of foods are spread on a</div> <div>                        low table. "I will tell the General you are here,</div> <div>                        My Lord." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Very good" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he smiles </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar is polite to everybody,</div> <div>                        even his social inferiors. unless they piss him</div> <div>                        off in some </div> <div>                        way. I think I will make that a quirk </div> <div>                        Missiledine: A few minutes later Weylan</div> <div>                        bustles in. "So Athjamar, how did you do?</div> <div>                        Find what you </div> <div>                        want?" He sits down. "Did that lazy hound</div> <div>                        take care of you?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar sits as well. "The Ensign</div> <div>                        was most helpful, Sir Weylen, Even thought to</div> <div>                        bring </div> <div>                        wheelbarrows." Athamar grins. "The</div> <div>                        equipment will be most helpful." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmmph! Trying to save himself</div> <div>                        a bit of sweat." Weylan will offer you wine </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Thank you." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Is there anything else we can do</div> <div>                        for you?" He asks as he sips </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Sir Weylen, I was hoping you could</div> <div>                        tell me a bit about the current state of the</div> <div>                        borders. </div> <div>                        Reports I have read indicate that things are</div> <div>                        quiet around Redlun now.... I am sure that it</div> <div>                        will not stay </div> <div>                        that way." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "No, probablky not. Every time</div> <div>                        the King squeezes the south flank of tyhe</div> <div>                        River March, </div> <div>                        the beasties leak out like shit." He sighs.</div> <div>                        "Right now it is quiet, probably won't stay that</div> <div>                        way more </div> <div>                        than a month or so. Once the snows hit the</div> <div>                        mountains the lice ridden beasts will come</div> <div>                        looking for </div> <div>                        food." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar sips his wine. <I presume</div> <div>                        it is pretty good.> Murmers appreciation. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yeah, its ok. You've had better</div> <div>                        tho </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods grimly. "Not alot of</div> <div>                        time to get Redlun in order. It is a wonder that</div> <div>                        it hasn't </div> <div>                        suffered more without a proper garrrison." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I'm sure it looses a lot of</div> <div>                        livestock each year. The peasants aren't</div> <div>                        equipped to stop it." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I send cavalry patrols through</div> <div>                        the area a couple times a year, but its a lot of</div> <div>                        space to </div> <div>                        cover." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grunts. "Reconnaisance</div> <div>                        will be a must. This winter will be a challenge."</div> <bR> <div>                        Missiledine: Having a prtoper Lord with a</div> <div>                        decent garrison will be a blessing </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. does athamar sense that the</div> <div>                        converstion is coming to an end? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Pretty soon </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "How many troops do you have,</div> <div>                        Athamar?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grimaces. "Eight. A few of</div> <div>                        my other retainers can fight. I want to bring</div> <div>                        that up </div> <div>                        to twenty as soon as I can. I will need to</div> <div>                        assess the situation in Redlun first, but my</div> <div>                        plan is to beef up </div> <div>                        the militia and use my regulars deep in the</div> <div>                        forest, scouting and raiding to keep the</div> <div>                        enemy as far away </div> <div>                        from Redlun as possible." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Hmm, don't get over extended</div> <div>                        out in that forest. Eight men at arms and</div> <div>                        twenty to thirty </div> <div>                        militia can fanish in a heartbeat." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: vanish </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods. "Sound advice, Sir</div> <div>                        Weylen. I will take it to heart." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I'll tell my patrols to check in with</div> <div>                        you when they are in the area." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "That would be most welcome,</div> <div>                        thank you. I see to it that your men are treated</div> <div>                        well while </div> <div>                        in Redlun." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He grunts in appreciation. Swigs</div> <div>                        the rest of his wine. "Well My Lord, duty calls.</div> <div>                        When </div> <div>                        you are back up this way, stop in." He stands</div> <div>                        up </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "If you get in trouble out there,</div> <div>                        button up and wait." He grins "If you scream</div> <div>                        loud </div> <div>                        enough we might even hear you." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar stands. "I certainly will do</div> <div>                        so, you are of course, welcome to the</div> <div>                        hospitality of </div> <div>                        Redlun." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar mirrors his grin. "Mitra</div> <div>                        willing, we won't have to." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Thank you for you time and</div> <div>                        hospitality, Sir Weylen." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Weylan shakes your hand and</div> <div>                        walks you to the door </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Your most welcome." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: meanwhile... back at the zoo..... </div> <div>                        tacit01: <baaa> </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You exit the main building in time</div> <div>                        to see the two hundred infantry, in full armor,</div> <div>                        running </div> <div>                        in a huge circle, holding their shield and</div> <div>                        crossbow over their heads </div> <div>                        Missiledine: They look very hot and very tired </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: athamar blinks. they must not have</div> <div>                        improved their reload time. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: He heads out. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: At the gate your men at arms,</div> <div>                        sans Gallus, is waiting. They tell you that</div> <div>                        Gallus left awhile </div> <div>                        ago with three soldiers pushing wheelbarrows</div> <bR> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Lets be off then." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Miklas on point </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Missiledine: About ten minutes into your</div> <div>                        return trip you see Gallus hurrying towards</div> <div>                        you. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: uh oh </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar puts on his <genuine></div> <div>                        "concerned look" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus hurries up, "My Lord, I met</div> <div>                        one of our new guards. She informed me that</div> <div>                        the </div> <div>                        twins are missing. Ollyn is out with most of our</div> <div>                        people searching for them." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Are the twins prone to wandering</div> <div>                        off? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: It happens </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (What did you expect?) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: lol </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: shoulda chained them down. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus grumbles his agreement </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay then. wewill split up into two</div> <div>                        more search parties. Gallus with the other</div> <div>                        un-named </div> <div>                        trooper here. me with miklas. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Right </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: we will set rally points to return to at</div> <div>                        regular intervals. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Where will you look and where</div> <div>                        will you rally? </div> <div>                        tacit01: <I remenber when I was their age, we</div> <div>                        didn't HAVE chains - we were tied down with </div> <div>                        wovwn grass, and we were THANKFUL> </div> <div>                        Missiledine: LOL! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: rally points are obvious landmarks.</div> <div>                        what can we see from the street? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: is tassiter of the age where he</div> <div>                        wants to hang out in bars? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Uhm, top of the Cathederal.</div> <div>                        Towers of the Academy of Sorcery, top of the</div> <div>                        Ducal </div> <div>                        palace... Those are the main landmarks </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. Cathedral is one. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: not really, most kids his age or</div> <div>                        drinking beer and wine at home (aint the</div> <div>                        twentieth </div> <div>                        century) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmm.... what have Danika nd</div> <div>                        Tassiter ben talking about lately? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: The move </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: hmmm.. no help there. Athamar will</div> <div>                        first try marketplace. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: that is where a lot of excitement is </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok. A few minutes into that area</div> <div>                        you see Ollyn talking to two of your servants.</div> <div>                        He is </div> <div>                        pointing in different directions </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar heads over to him.</div> <div>                        "Where have you checked? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "MY Lord!" He looks upset "I'm</div> <div>                        sorry, My Lord. We were dealing with the</div> <div>                        horses, </div> <div>                        then I turned around and they were gone." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: <Athamar is wishing he</div> <div>                        concentrated more on Comm/emp spells.</div> <div>                        Telepathy woulf be </div> <div>                        nice right now.> </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "We have been sweeping the</div> <div>                        market and the surrounding streets. I've had</div> <div>                        some people </div> <div>                        check the other boats." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar nods tightly. "I am sure</div> <div>                        that they timed their escape perfectly." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Yes, My Lord." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Allright then. I have designated</div> <div>                        thecathedral as a rally point. it is an obvious</div> <div>                        landmark." </div> <div>                        He gives Ollyn about $100. "If you need to</div> <div>                        purchase some local help, use this." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Yes My Lord." And off he goes </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar heads over to the</div> <div>                        Academy </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: on the way he looks for some kid</div> <div>                        who might know his way around./ </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Lots of kids around </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: any sharping for work? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: undoubtably </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar picks one. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar holds up a coin.... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: something in the range of $5 </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Got his attention </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Yes, M'Lord?' </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "What is you name boy?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Joel. M'Lord" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Joel, I am looking for two</div> <div>                        youngsters. Do you think you can find them?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar hands him the fiver. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Whats their names?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He takes it </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Their names are Danika and</div> <div>                        Tassiter. they are twins. about 13 years old.</div> <div>                        Same eye and </div> <div>                        hair color as I. wearing <description>. If you</div> <div>                        know your way around and can find them, I will</div> <bR> <div>                        reward you. if you can't the fiver is yours and I</div> <div>                        will find someone else." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I know my way around here!" He</div> <div>                        says proudly </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar casts truthsayer. was that</div> <div>                        teh truth? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He thinks so </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Doesn't mean he really does </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. "Well, then Joel, you are on." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Do you have some friends who</div> <div>                        can help? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He leads you into the crowd</div> <div>                        sayoing, "I can think of a couple places to</div> <div>                        look, There's the </div> <div>                        animal pens, the slave market, the.." He trails</div> <div>                        off thinking "Sure, I got a couple." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: brb </div> <div>                        Missiledine: dog </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "you might need them. I tell you</div> <div>                        what. I will offer $50 for anyone who finds</div> <div>                        them, and </div> <div>                        another $50 for you in any case, if you or your</div> <div>                        friends find them. Deal? </div> <div>                        tacit01: <hey big spender> </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: 50 bucks is twice the daily wae for</div> <div>                        a good craftsman </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: wage </div> <div>                        tacit01: can I look for them <at those terms>,</div> <div>                        too </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: You already have terms. </div> <div>                        tacit01: I'd make more money as a nanny than</div> <div>                        a soldier:-D </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: you could make more money as.....</div> <div>                        uh, nevermind </div> <div>                        tacit01: entertainer? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: dancer. </div> <div>                        tacit01: in the "service" industry </div> <div>                        tacit01: <Welcome to Euphamisms 'R' Us!> </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: food service? </div> <div>                        tacit01: sorry, I'm on a diet </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: housecleaning? you know,. hoes in</div> <div>                        Romania are offering housecleaning as a</div> <div>                        perk to there </div> <div>                        sexual services </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: dude. ned to go to bed soon? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: yeah, but lets wrap this up </div> <div>                        Missiledine: How do YOU know about</div> <div>                        Romanian hoes? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: read it online. I think it was</div> <div>                        romania. might have been Russia. but I am</div> <div>                        pretty sure it was </div> <div>                        Romania </div> <div>                        tacit01: yah - you sent me the URL </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Oh the Joys of the Internet! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: apparently there is a lot of</div> <div>                        competition, extra services needed to attract</div> <div>                        cusomers </div> <div>                        Missiledine: What I did with my education </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok, ok. They clean your house</div> <div>                        and your pipes </div> <div>                        tacit01: it all about relationship, about going</div> <div>                        that extra mile... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: oh. my </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Really, LOL </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok The kid says, "50? You got a</div> <div>                        deal. Wait here a sec." He darts off calling</div> <div>                        names </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: a bit extravagent, but worth it. if they</div> <div>                        are found promptly. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: About four or five minutes later</div> <div>                        he comes back with eight or nine kids in tow </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "Ok, M'Lord. We'll search fer ya!"</div> <bR> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar raises an eyebrow.</div> <div>                        Smiles at them. "I am looking for my brother</div> <div>                        ans sister. </div> <div>                        names are Danika and Tassiter." He</div> <div>                        describesthem and what theyare wearing. "I</div> <div>                        will give $50 to </div> <div>                        anyone who finds them for me." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "What do they look like?" "How</div> <div>                        old are they?" "Do you think kidnappers got</div> <div>                        them?" </div> <div>                        "What do they like?" "Is the Girl pretty?" "I bet</div> <div>                        kidnappers got them." "Shut up!" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Its a confusion of voices and</div> <div>                        questions </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Quiet." Athamar says firmly. and</div> <div>                        describes them again. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: They quiet up and listen </div> <div>                        tacit01: <lol> </div> <div>                        Missiledine: After hearing you out, they</div> <div>                        promise to find them and bring them back</div> <div>                        here. They </div> <div>                        spread out quickly </div> <div>                        tacit01: <an extra -5 in disads? Why not!> </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: suurreeee.... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (Heh, heh, heh....) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar gets to tan their butts now.</div> <div>                        a good form of cardiovascular excercise. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: You are now standing there</div> <div>                        alone </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: with Miklas. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: any place to sit? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: thats right, not quite alone </div> <div>                        Missiledine: curb, stone wal... </div> <div>                        Missiledine: wall </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: wall it is. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: point: you are NOT at the</div> <div>                        cathederal </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: He looks around. good point. I was</div> <div>                        going to say something. but they departed too</div> <bR> <div>                        quickly. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I know </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: WEll, he can send Miklas to the</div> <div>                        Cathedral occassionally,. how far away is it? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: 6 or 8 blocks </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. well, send miklas there to</div> <div>                        wait tell whomever shows up where I am. like</div> <div>                        Ollys </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok, he goes </div> <div>                        Missiledine: He pauses after a few steps,</div> <div>                        "Will you be all right, My Lord?" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar looks around. "I will be</div> <div>                        fine. I am not entirely defenseless." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: what kind of neighborhood is it?</div> <div>                        We are close to the marketplace, I think </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "uhmm, ok." He's had it drilled</div> <div>                        into his head by Ollyn, not to leave you</div> <div>                        unattended </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: no helping it. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he can return as son as someone</div> <div>                        else knows wher I am </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Not a bad neighborhood </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: soon </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I didn't expect so. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Miklas approaches </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar grins at him </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "My Lord! They found them!</div> <div>                        Back at the boat!" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar rolls his eyes. </div> <div>                        tacit01: <LOL> </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Okay. that is it then. exceptthe kids</div> <div>                        needa reward.... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: any of them around? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Miklas goes on, "Jacintal said to</div> <div>                        tell you that she needed to pay her respects at</div> <div>                        the </div> <div>                        cathederal and will be back soon." </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Uhm, not yet </div> <div>                        Missiledine: How long will you wait? </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: okay. well, Athamar plans to buy a</div> <div>                        small keg of beer for his people for their</div> <div>                        efforts in </div> <div>                        trying to find his siblings. he also wants to pay</div> <div>                        joel. so he waits say, a half hour. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok, about twenty minutes later the</div> <div>                        first of the search party comes dragging in </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar smiles at them. "They</div> <div>                        have been found, but you deserve something</div> <div>                        for your </div> <div>                        trouble." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: who is there? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: eventually Joel and everyone are</div> <div>                        there </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar gives joel his 50. "My</div> <div>                        people found them, Joel. I am giving this to</div> <div>                        you anyway </div> <div>                        Thank you for your time. I suggest thanking</div> <div>                        your friends" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: (they'll probably beat him up and</div> <div>                        take it) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: not Athamar's problem who he</div> <div>                        subcontracts to </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: A heads for the boat </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Its not long before you and most</div> <div>                        of your people are there </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Gallus comes to meet you. "They</div> <div>                        are below." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar gets a keg of ale on the</div> <div>                        way back. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Were they there all the time?</div> <div>                        Where were they?" </div> <div>                        Missiledine: "I'm not sure, My Lord. They</div> <div>                        haven't said. Jacintal found them." </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Athamar nods. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Jacintal will arrive on board a few</div> <div>                        minutes later </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: He goes below. </div> <div>                        tacit01: :-\ </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: oh. okay. Athamar speaks to J</div> <div>                        alone first </div> <div>                        Missiledine: this will be good </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "Explain." </div> <div>                        tacit01: "well, M'Lord, I saw a number of the</div> <div>                        local children, anbout teh twins' age,</div> <div>                        swimming in teh </div> <div>                        river. I thought the'd likely be most intersted in</div> <div>                        being with people their age, so I went to</div> <div>                        investigate </div> <div>                        and, they were there." </div> <div>                        tacit01: "skinnydipping" </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: "I see. thank you." </div> <div>                        tacit01: "yes, m'Lord" she excuses herself (I</div> <div>                        assume she's done) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: Athamar goes below to talk to his</div> <div>                        siblings. as soon as everyone is back. we</div> <div>                        ship out. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok. I think we'll call that a wrap </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k </div> <div>                        tacit01: roger that </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: essentially, Athamar tells whtm</div> <div>                        what they did wrong and spanks them. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Thank you for an entertaining</div> <div>                        evening </div> <div>                        tacit01: lol </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Spanks? </div> <div>                        tacit01: they are 13-ish, aren't they? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Yeah </div> <div>                        Missiledine: I'd say, Whips their asses! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: right. forgot that. 13 is a bit old.</div> <div>                        hmmm.... I will have to consider punishment </div> <div>                        tacit01: I think the stables still nead some</div> <div>                        cleaning... </div> <div>                        tacit01: :-) </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: yes! they get to shovel horse shitf</div> <div>                        orthe rest of the journey </div> <div>                        tacit01: or will tomorrow </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: and probalby longer. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: well, that will be all. oh. Athamar</div> <div>                        doesn;t really careall that much about skinny</div> <div>                        dipping. its </div> <div>                        the running off without an escort that requires</div> <div>                        punishment. swimming suits haven;'t been</div> <div>                        invented yet. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: he swats them with a belt a few</div> <div>                        times to reinforce his lecture. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: then assignes them shit detail. </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: well, we have kept you long</div> <div>                        enoguh. thaks for the game. later </div> <div>                        tacit01: J will pint out to Athamar that the may</div> <div>                        well have been more than swimming, based</div> <div>                        on teh </div> <div>                        circumstantial evidence she saw </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: I see..... THAT he cares about. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Told ya! </div> <div>                        Missiledine: LOL! </div> <div>                        tacit01: Tassiter was curled up with a girl on</div> <div>                        the beach, both prettu much naked... </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: we can handle that next time.</div> <div>                        goodnighjt </div> <div>                        Missiledine: he's no fun! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: geez, he works fast. </div> <div>                        Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                        Missiledine: Lets talk about your sister.... </div> <div>                        tacit01: Danika was swimming with a specific</div> <div>                        boy and she at least was naked </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: now? </div> <div>                        Missiledine: figure of speech </div> <div>                        Dukejr01: k. night </div> <div>                        Missiledine: pretty much summs it up, tactfully </div> <div>                        Missiledine: night! </div> <div>                        Dukejr01 has left the room. </div> <div>                        tacit01: night all</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>                                                                  Session 7 </div> <div>                                                                  CST Series 2 Velitrium: Lendalfoot River,</div> <div>                                                                  Village of Boma </div> <div>                                                                  Player: Duke, Tacit </div> <div>                                                                  PC: Athamar, Jacinta </div> <bR> <bR> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: As for punishment. There is</div> <div>                                                                  nothing wrong with manual labor for a</div> <div>                                                                  young noble. But </div> <div>                                                                  Velitrium favors more direct methods. Even</div> <div>                                                                  the Army uses flogging </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: k. well, should we play it out, or</div> <div>                                                                  shall I jsut tell you what Athamar is going to</div> <div>                                                                  do? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Switching to GM Red... </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: <cringes> Oh, yes, MAster, much</div> <div>                                                                  better. Please don't step on this unworthy</div> <div>                                                                  one. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: No real need to play it out.</div> <div>                                                                  There is nothing they can do about it </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: As their guardian you can beat</div> <div>                                                                  the tar out of them if you wish </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay,. Athamar is a bit irritated.</div> <div>                                                                  He asks them why they are to be punished.</div> <div>                                                                  using </div> <div>                                                                  Socratic dialogue to make the lesson that</div> <div>                                                                  running off like that was foolish and put</div> <div>                                                                  family retainers to </div> <div>                                                                  agreat deal of trouble looking for them. the</div> <div>                                                                  gives Tassiter a dozen straps then sends</div> <div>                                                                  him to shovel </div> <div>                                                                  horse shit AFTER he apologises to Ollyn.</div> <div>                                                                  he repeats for Danika. They may vent</div> <div>                                                                  complaints before </div> <div>                                                                  punishment so he can correct thier </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: erronious ideas. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: when they don't have anything</div> <div>                                                                  particular to do, they can do what tehy want</div> <div>                                                                  as long as </div> <div>                                                                  they don't run off in strange cities. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar will emphasize that they</div> <div>                                                                  cannot run around without protection, that</div> <div>                                                                  being as </div> <div>                                                                  noble has its perks and responsibilities,</div> <div>                                                                  one of which is that your life is really not</div> <div>                                                                  your own,. that </div> <div>                                                                  things are expected of you. "To whom much</div> <div>                                                                  is given, much is expected" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. I suppose that it won't be</div> <div>                                                                  QUITE as hard in Redlun. unless they are</div> <div>                                                                  perfect </div> <div>                                                                  FOOLS they can run around the manor</div> <div>                                                                  freely, as long as they don't go trapseing off</div> <div>                                                                  into teh woods. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. what are they like, i</div> <div>                                                                  assume Athamar is familiar with</div> <div>                                                                  theirpersonalities. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Since adulthood is generally</div> <div>                                                                  considered 15 in Velitrium, tho you won't be</div> <div>                                                                  getting rid of </div> <div>                                                                  them THAT easily! </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Talenar's sacrificed themselves</div> <div>                                                                  out of love or duty, for family and maybe</div> <div>                                                                  even loyal </div> <div>                                                                  retainers. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Father taught us responsibility. I</div> <div>                                                                  expect that you will be responsible for your</div> <div>                                                                  actions. If </div> <div>                                                                  you get a child on a common girl, Tassiter,</div> <div>                                                                  you wll see to that child's welfare AND that</div> <div>                                                                  of the </div> <div>                                                                  mother. Understand?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Oh yes, Brother... How much</div> <div>                                                                  is my allowance, anyway?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <Cheeky bastard, aint he?> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "right now. diddly squat. you can</div> <div>                                                                  work for some. But right now every penny is</div> <div>                                                                  needed to </div> <div>                                                                  establish the Family lands." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <Better one, what if Danika</div> <div>                                                                  turns up pregnant?> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: she will havea tough time finding</div> <div>                                                                  a hubby. that is what. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Yeah, she'll just have to live</div> <div>                                                                  with you, forever.... </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Uncle Athamar, can I have a</div> <div>                                                                  pony? Huh?" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Its not fair is it?" "Its not fair that</div> <div>                                                                  men and women have different</div> <div>                                                                  expectations. Well, life </div> <div>                                                                  isn't fair. Your virtue, unlike Tassiter's, is</div> <div>                                                                  actually an asset. Spend it wisely." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Uncle? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: oh. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Something to look forward to </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: by that time, there will probalby</div> <div>                                                                  be extra ponies available. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Hmmm, nine months plus, oh</div> <div>                                                                  four years... yeah, probably </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: That asset may be depleted</div> <div>                                                                  already... </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: <sigh> </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Heh, heh, heh </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: all she has to do is become filthy</div> <div>                                                                  rich and start a usery business. then she</div> <div>                                                                  can screw </div> <div>                                                                  anyone she wants. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Velitrium culture dosen't have</div> <div>                                                                  a big hang up over virginity. Some</div> <div>                                                                  individuals do.... </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: LOL! </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: ...Excess baggage is another</div> <div>                                                                  issue entirely </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: yeah. Athamar is likely to have a</div> <div>                                                                  mistress. but the kids are not in any</div> <div>                                                                  position to take </div> <div>                                                                  responsibility of the outcomes. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: How can you lecture them?</div> <div>                                                                  You certainly set a shining example! :-D </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar is mostly pissed that</div> <div>                                                                  they snuck off in a strange city, endangered</div> <div>                                                                  themselves, </div> <div>                                                                  and put the family retainers to a great deal</div> <div>                                                                  of trouble. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Ah! Okay then. That they can</div> <div>                                                                  understand. Of course, as they see it, they</div> <div>                                                                  can take care </div> <div>                                                                  of themselves </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You will be having this whole</div> <div>                                                                  discussion after the boat pushes off and</div> <div>                                                                  starts up river </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: sure teens are invincible. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: make sure everyone is aboard. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: And you weren't? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: They are </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: no, i am immortal </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Ah! We'll test that later </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: or was </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. as long as they apologise</div> <div>                                                                  to Ollyn. He is a loyal man, and deserves</div> <div>                                                                  their respect </div> <div>                                                                  and consideration. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The balance of the trip, tho</div> <div>                                                                  short in distance, is long in time. You are</div> <div>                                                                  now poling against </div> <div>                                                                  the current </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: They will. They like Ollyn, he's</div> <div>                                                                  taken care of them their whole lives. Still,</div> <div>                                                                  they do like </div> <div>                                                                  to get the better of him, and the others...and</div> <div>                                                                  especially, you. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: that isexpected and, this will</div> <div>                                                                  annoy them, cute. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The crew of the barge is fully</div> <div>                                                                  capable of getting you to your destination,</div> <div>                                                                  but they will </div> <div>                                                                  require regular rest stops. If your men spell</div> <div>                                                                  them you will shave at least a day off your</div> <div>                                                                  travel time </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. i had a couple questions.</div> <div>                                                                  what does Gallus think of the idea of</div> <div>                                                                  offering 5 acres </div> <div>                                                                  instead of 4 to retiring Army men? Athamar</div> <div>                                                                  wants z strong milita. yes, we will spell</div> <div>                                                                  them. Tassiter </div> <div>                                                                  and Athamar will even help, if that is not</div> <div>                                                                  something below a lord's dignity </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamr could use some</div> <div>                                                                  excercise. yearsof sitting on his ass</div> <div>                                                                  reading was no good for his </div> <div>                                                                  health </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Stretching it a bit for you. But</div> <div>                                                                  Tassiter is in the dog house anyway </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Go ahead </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay, "Say. Tassiter, you look</div> <div>                                                                  bored. why don't you help pole?: </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar will read then </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: 'grumbl, grumble..." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar is openly amused. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: There is a lot of boat traffic</div> <div>                                                                  here, as much as on the Varsol. Mostly the</div> <div>                                                                  traffic back </div> <div>                                                                  down the river (passing you) is either</div> <div>                                                                  loaded with produce or empty </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Up river traffic is pretty much</div> <div>                                                                  all 'finished' goods </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: makes sense. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: If you continue up river, past</div> <div>                                                                  your stop, eventually you reach a series of</div> <div>                                                                  falls and </div> <div>                                                                  catarcats. All boat traffic stops here. A</div> <div>                                                                  portage road climbs along the river for</div> <div>                                                                  about fifteen miles. </div> <div>                                                                  Then the road ends at another</div> <div>                                                                  village/fortress in the Rivermarch. Boats</div> <div>                                                                  pick up cargo and distribute </div> <div>                                                                  it along the towns of the Rivermarch. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: I am trying to sort this out on the</div> <div>                                                                  map </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: i'll figure it out later </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Redlun is about 90 miles (as</div> <div>                                                                  the crow flies) from the start of the</div> <div>                                                                  Rivermarch </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: i see. so we portage. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: No, you make land long before</div> <div>                                                                  that </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: <re-reading> ah. okay </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: so, we reach. "Boma"? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Yes, witjout incident </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You'll arrive towards dusk of</div> <div>                                                                  the second day out </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: good. Athamar pays the captain</div> <div>                                                                  when we unload, thanks him. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: are we on schedule? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Your about a day ahead </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: great,. so helping out the crew</div> <div>                                                                  actually costs Athamar in the long run. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Okay we need to secure</div> <div>                                                                  lodgings and food. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: lol! uhm, yeah I guess </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Well, as the boat is docking</div> <div>                                                                  and the unloading is getting started, you</div> <div>                                                                  can see that </div> <div>                                                                  someone has gone running through the</div> <div>                                                                  village with the news. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Is there a local lord in residence?</div> <div>                                                                  is it mannors to call upon him? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: About twenty minutes later you</div> <div>                                                                  see several horseman coming towards you</div> <div>                                                                  in the twilight </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. Athamar goes to greet the</div> <div>                                                                  local Lord. Does he know the name? ask</div> <div>                                                                  Galllus or </div> <div>                                                                  Nordan id not. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: They are not armored and</div> <div>                                                                  appear well dressed, one, who is in the</div> <div>                                                                  lead, is a </div> <div>                                                                  distinguished looking man in his mid to late</div> <div>                                                                  forties. He dismounts and comes out on the</div> <div>                                                                  dock </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Gallus says, "Call him Lord</div> <div>                                                                  Boma." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <Your Lord Redlun> </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Lord Redlun" he calls "I am</div> <div>                                                                  Lord Meren. Welcome to Boma." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar steps forward to greet</div> <div>                                                                  him. "Lord Meren, I am Athamar Tallanar.</div> <div>                                                                  Thank you </div> <div>                                                                  for you welcome." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: your </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Your people arrived a few</div> <div>                                                                  hours ago. They didn't expect you until</div> <div>                                                                  tomorrow." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <GM's error. the riders have</div> <div>                                                                  several spare, saddled, horses with them.> </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Please, join me for supper.</div> <div>                                                                  Bring your people. I will have some of mine</div> <div>                                                                  unload for </div> <div>                                                                  you." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Our trip from the Capitol was</div> <div>                                                                  unexpectedly swift. Thank you, I shall be</div> <div>                                                                  delighted." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: There are 4 horses, who are</div> <div>                                                                  you taking with. The rest will walk </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar details Gallus, Ollyn and</div> <div>                                                                  Bragan. unless bragan wants to stay</div> <div>                                                                  withhis precious </div> <div>                                                                  stuff. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Hmm, what about your family? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: oops. the twins and gallus. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: i keep forgetting. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: ok </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: unless it is the stewards job to</div> <div>                                                                  stay with the stuff. i am not that hip on the</div> <div>                                                                  way nobles do </div> <div>                                                                  things. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: No, any trusted retainer will do.</div> <div>                                                                  Bragan appears reluctant to leave the</div> <div>                                                                  crates </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: But asks that you send down</div> <div>                                                                  some food! </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. Bragan can stay with</div> <div>                                                                  hisstuff. maybe Miklas should help him.</div> <div>                                                                  Nordan can see to </div> <div>                                                                  their supper. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: poor miklas. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Ok, sounds good. The rest of</div> <div>                                                                  the group will walk. You, Gallus and the</div> <div>                                                                  Twins will mount </div> <div>                                                                  up. (Introductions?) </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Nordan promises to 'Send</div> <div>                                                                  down a bucket of slops." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Ah, yes. So many details. May I</div> <div>                                                                  introduce my siblings. Tassiter(nods to him)</div> <div>                                                                  and </div> <div>                                                                  Danika. My Steward, Gallus" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: we have horse too, but i exxpect</div> <div>                                                                  that they won't be ridable right away </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lord Boma greets the twins as</div> <div>                                                                  befits their status and nods politely to</div> <div>                                                                  Gallus. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You will arrive at the manor</div> <div>                                                                  house about ten minutes later. Its another</div> <div>                                                                  semi fortified </div> <div>                                                                  structure of great age </div> <div>                                                                  tacit01: <DA DOOM!> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar chats politely with Lord</div> <div>                                                                  Boma. sorry. my chat window is closed and</div> <div>                                                                  I didn't </div> <div>                                                                  write his name down. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Meren </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: right. written down now </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: np </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: As you pass through the gates</div> <div>                                                                  you see that Lord Boma's retainers are</div> <div>                                                                  clearly scurrying </div> <div>                                                                  around to accomadate the unexpected</div> <div>                                                                  guests </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Someone must have counted,</div> <div>                                                                  because when you enter the Great Hall</div> <div>                                                                  there are exactly </div> <div>                                                                  enough extra seats ready </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar apologizes for his</div> <div>                                                                  unexpected arrival. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Four seats have been</div> <div>                                                                  prepped at the High Table </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Not a problem, Lord Athamar.</div> <div>                                                                  Guests are always welcome. Especially</div> <div>                                                                  new </div> <div>                                                                  neighbors." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: He will lead you towards the</div> <div>                                                                  table, but pauses. "Perhaps you'd like to</div> <div>                                                                  freshen up </div> <div>                                                                  before supping?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <ie: Take a leak> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar smiles. "Your hospitality</div> <div>                                                                  is most gracious." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Yes, that would be welcome" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: One of the servants will show</div> <div>                                                                  the four of you to the middens </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar makes sure the Twins</div> <div>                                                                  of Terror are in tow </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: When you are done you rejoin</div> <div>                                                                  the table. Lord Boma rises to welcome you.</div> <bR> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: :-D </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: wash hands, </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: As you sit, Lord Boma raises</div> <div>                                                                  a toast. "To our new friends and neighbors!</div> <div>                                                                  Lord Athamar </div> <div>                                                                  of Redlun." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: After the toast, he sits down </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar accepts the toast.</div> <div>                                                                  "Thank you, Lord Meren." Is it appropriate</div> <div>                                                                  for a guest to </div> <div>                                                                  propse a toast at someone else's table? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: absolutely </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You are sitting to Lord Boma's</div> <div>                                                                  right. To your right is his wife, whom he</div> <div>                                                                  introduces as </div> <div>                                                                  Lady Andrea </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "May I offer a toast? To our</div> <div>                                                                  gracious host, Lord Meren. May our</div> <div>                                                                  relations prosper </div> <div>                                                                  along with our folk." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lord Boma bows graciously.</div> <div>                                                                  As things settle down, Lady Andrea says,</div> <div>                                                                  "Lord Athamar, </div> <div>                                                                  are you married?" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "At your service, LAdy." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "I have had little time to look for a</div> <div>                                                                  wife, Lady Andrea." Shaking his head </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: he smiles ruefully </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Oh," She moves back slightly</div> <div>                                                                  and says, "Allow me to introduce my</div> <div>                                                                  daughter, </div> <div>                                                                  Rowlenna" A beautiful girl of about 18 is on</div> <div>                                                                  Lady Andrea's other side </div> <div>                                                                  tacit01: :-X </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Charmed." Athamar smiles into</div> <div>                                                                  her eyes. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: She blushes a bit, whispers a</div> <div>                                                                  greeting and turns her attention to her plate </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar returns to his food. he</div> <div>                                                                  looks a little pleased to have a neighbor</div> <div>                                                                  with a beautiful </div> <div>                                                                  daughter. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The servants are bringing</div> <div>                                                                  around roast mutton and a variety of side</div> <div>                                                                  dishes. Lord Boma </div> <div>                                                                  apologises for the ordinary fare. "Next time</div> <div>                                                                  it shall be more elaborate." He promises </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <Get used to it. You'll be</div> <div>                                                                  eating a lot of mutton.> </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: You will learn that Boma relies</div> <div>                                                                  heavily on sheep and goats. like Redlun. It</div> <div>                                                                  also has </div> <div>                                                                  orchards, but no vineyards. It does have a</div> <div>                                                                  fishing industry, small but effective for the</div> <div>                                                                  village. And the </div> <div>                                                                  Lord makes a nice bit of brass running a</div> <div>                                                                  ferry across the river </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "I won;t hear of apologies. Our</div> <div>                                                                  arrival is unexpected, and hot meal on dry</div> <div>                                                                  land is a treat </div> <div>                                                                  in itself. You will have to allow me to set</div> <div>                                                                  matters aright in Redlun before I can host</div> <div>                                                                  guests properly, </div> <div>                                                                  but be certain that you are most welcome </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: He laughs, "Yes, you will find</div> <div>                                                                  that there is much work to be done before</div> <div>                                                                  you are hosting </div> <div>                                                                  any parties." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods politely. genuinely</div> <div>                                                                  intersted in the Lords converstion. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar chuckles ruefully. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: He makes sure that the Twins</div> <div>                                                                  are behaving. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: They have Gallus on one side</div> <div>                                                                  and the Lord's daughter on the other </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Danika is talking to her </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Gallus is talking to someone</div> <div>                                                                  on his other side. Tassiter looks bored, tho</div> <div>                                                                  he keeps </div> <div>                                                                  peeking around Danika at Roweena </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar asks general questions</div> <div>                                                                  of the region, and about Boma. makes</div> <div>                                                                  polite inquiries </div> <div>                                                                  about his family and general concerns. his</div> <div>                                                                  neighbors concerns are likely to march</div> <div>                                                                  along Athamar's </div> <div>                                                                  concerns. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: of course. good man. ;-) </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Well, as you have heard</div> <div>                                                                  before. The area catches a lot of fallout</div> <div>                                                                  from the Rivermarch </div> <div>                                                                  campaign. The winter months show an</div> <div>                                                                  increase in stock raiding. And the River has</div> <div>                                                                  its own problems </div> <div>                                                                  with pirates and riff raff </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The water hereabout is too</div> <div>                                                                  cold for Coohlari or the big frogs and</div> <div>                                                                  turtles, so that isn't a </div> <div>                                                                  problem </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: primarily goblins or are some</div> <div>                                                                  raiders human? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The River Vipers are a</div> <div>                                                                  problem, tho Lord Boma cautions you</div> <div>                                                                  about the big Cobras that </div> <div>                                                                  are common south of here, around Redlun</div> <div>                                                                  and towards the desert </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Goblins mostly, and ogres </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar listens intently.</div> <div>                                                                  Obviously interested in this information. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar also answers any</div> <div>                                                                  questions he might have about the</div> <div>                                                                  Tallanars. he is likely </div> <div>                                                                  intersted in his new neighbors. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "There is a rumor that the</div> <div>                                                                  Goblins are being lead and coordinated by</div> <div>                                                                  one or more </div> <div>                                                                  humans." Boma adds </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Nothing has beeb confirmed</div> <div>                                                                  tho." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamr frowns. sips his drink. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Boma looks like he has more</div> <div>                                                                  to say, but not here </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: The meal will wind along for</div> <div>                                                                  about two hours. Towards the end there will</div> <div>                                                                  be a </div> <div>                                                                  Jongeleur who will perform </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods in understanding.</div> <div>                                                                  changesthe subject. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar also keeps an eye on</div> <div>                                                                  what his pople are doing. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: people </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Finally the meal will wind to a</div> <div>                                                                  close... The servants will begin clearing the</div> <div>                                                                  tables. Boma </div> <div>                                                                  invites you for a drink in his library </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lady Boma says that she will</div> <div>                                                                  see to it that your people (and the twins)</div> <div>                                                                  are taken care </div> <div>                                                                  of. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lady Boma seems to have</div> <div>                                                                  picked up on the Twins right away </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Yes. that would be most</div> <div>                                                                  agreeable. Thank you, Lady. Your are too</div> <div>                                                                  kind" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: your = you </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Most of your people will spend</div> <div>                                                                  the night in the great hall. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lord Boma tells you, as you</div> <div>                                                                  are walking down the hallway, that your</div> <div>                                                                  villagers are </div> <div>                                                                  camped out in the commons. He will take</div> <div>                                                                  you there in the morning </div> <div>                                                                  tacit01: <lucky me> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Ah. good. I was about to inquire.</div> <bR> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Lord Boma's library isn't</div> <div>                                                                  impressive by others you have seen,</div> <div>                                                                  <nudge, nudge> but its </div> <div>                                                                  not bad for a rural backwater </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: He pours you some brandy</div> <div>                                                                  and sits in one of several chairs, gesturing</div> <div>                                                                  towards another </div> <div>                                                                  for you </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar looks around an nods in</div> <div>                                                                  appreciation. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Thank you." he sits. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "You should know Athamar,</div> <div>                                                                  the Rivermarch is a cock up." He sips his</div> <div>                                                                  drink and </div> <div>                                                                  collects his thoughts. "I have friends in the</div> <div>                                                                  Army... They say its a bleeding ulcer that is</div> <div>                                                                  draining </div> <div>                                                                  troops at a hell of a rate. Mitra knows what</div> <div>                                                                  the King thought would come of it all, but I</div> <div>                                                                  doubt he </div> <div>                                                                  expected this." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar frowns and nods. "I was</div> <div>                                                                  not aware that things were as bad as that.</div> <div>                                                                  Do you </div> <div>                                                                  think the campaign is making things hotter</div> <div>                                                                  for the local Lords? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "As bad as all that, there's</div> <div>                                                                  worse. Rumor has it a whole team of</div> <div>                                                                  Avengers got chopped </div> <div>                                                                  a few months ago. Five of 'em. That is</div> <div>                                                                  somethjing you shouldn't spread around, by</div> <div>                                                                  the by." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods decisively. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "The Baron's up on the River</div> <div>                                                                  say they can't get their harvest in without</div> <div>                                                                  more troops. </div> <div>                                                                  Urien keeps sending them. Damn few</div> <div>                                                                  come home tho." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "No one says much, but I</div> <div>                                                                  watch boat loads of the blue backs go up</div> <div>                                                                  river. aren't very </div> <div>                                                                  many coming back." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: <Blue back refers to the dark</div> <div>                                                                  blue cloak and tunic issued to Royal</div> <div>                                                                  Troops> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar grimaces. "Local Lords</div> <div>                                                                  supplying scuttage fees or men for their</div> <div>                                                                  man-at-arms </div> <div>                                                                  obligations?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "So far mostly regulars" Boma</div> <div>                                                                  says. "I've seen some Ducal troops, but</div> <div>                                                                  mostly regular </div> <div>                                                                  army </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "And for every boatload that</div> <div>                                                                  passes here, there are more troops</div> <div>                                                                  marching overland </div> <div>                                                                  from Glenluce and other parts of</div> <div>                                                                  Ferramentium." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods, digesting this.</div> <div>                                                                  "What could possible be grinding up that</div> <div>                                                                  many troops? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "There are thousands of them</div> <div>                                                                  Hob-Goblins in the mountains. Remember</div> <div>                                                                  your history... </div> <div>                                                                  Not only did they overrun this area once</div> <div>                                                                  before, but it was the same Goblins that</div> <div>                                                                  drove the Dwarven </div> <div>                                                                  Migration under Velbar Stonehammer into</div> <div>                                                                  Velitrium. Sacked their city, Kheza</div> <div>                                                                  somethin or other." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar recalls. "Was there a lot</div> <div>                                                                  of hobgoblin trouble veforet he campagn? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: before the. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Boma shrugged, "Well, back</div> <div>                                                                  during the Rebellion, Mulgrave pulled</div> <div>                                                                  thousands of the </div> <div>                                                                  beasts out of the mountains. Most of them</div> <div>                                                                  came from their villages in the River Valley</div> <div>                                                                  that is now the </div> <div>                                                                  Rivermarch. That's why Urien decided to</div> <div>                                                                  conquor it." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar nods. makesa certain</div> <div>                                                                  amount of sense. "Resiliant buggers." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "The Army and the Avengers</div> <div>                                                                  and Mog-Sur are said to have killed</div> <div>                                                                  thousands when they </div> <div>                                                                  tore into those villages." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "It's been what, twenty five</div> <div>                                                                  years? I'm sure they've made up the</div> <div>                                                                  losses." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Trouble for us, though. What has</div> <div>                                                                  worked, more importantly, what doesn</div> <div>                                                                  work, to keep </div> <div>                                                                  the raiders in check. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: ? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "Well, to date the bulk of the</div> <div>                                                                  beasts are more intrested in wrecking</div> <div>                                                                  vengence in the </div> <div>                                                                  March. We haven't been a focus of</div> <div>                                                                  attention. Thank Mitra!" </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar makes appropriate</div> <div>                                                                  gesture re Mitra. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "There's too much forest to</div> <div>                                                                  cover it all. So the best bet is to set up</div> <div>                                                                  watch towers that </div> <div>                                                                  can keep an eye on the forest edge. I've</div> <div>                                                                  made a point of trying to locate the beasts</div> <div>                                                                  meeting places </div> <div>                                                                  and periodicly smoking them out. Gathered</div> <div>                                                                  a mess of weapons and loot over the</div> <div>                                                                  years." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: he pre-empted my question</div> <div>                                                                  again. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: :-0 </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "good strategy. I won't have the</div> <div>                                                                  stregnth to do that for awhile" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: sorry </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: don't be, </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: i get the question about 3/4ths</div> <div>                                                                  finished and then he answers it. so I erase</div> <div>                                                                  it. </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Ok, I won't volunteer so much </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: lol. go ahead. it is faster </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: I type too fast? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: Athamar asks how he can</div> <div>                                                                  coordinate watch towers. </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: that could be. i am about 50</div> <div>                                                                  words a minute. after composing..... </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: the composing probably takes</div> <div>                                                                  the longest </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: "As I recall the lay of your land,</div> <div>                                                                  your highest point is that old Hill Fort. Which</div> <div>                                                                  is why it's </div> <div>                                                                  there in the first place. I gather the founders</div> <div>                                                                  of Redlun didn't put the manor there</div> <div>                                                                  because there is no </div> <div>                                                                  water. Anyway, that will give you the best</div> <div>                                                                  view of the forest edge. Build a tower on its</div> <div>                                                                  highest </div> <div>                                                                  point." </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Will a signal fire be visable in</div> <div>                                                                  Boma?" </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: No </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: 25 miles =/- </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: +/- </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Actually, 25 by road, little less</div> <div>                                                                  across country </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "Good advice though. I will have</div> <div>                                                                  to keep a fast horse available until I can</div> <div>                                                                  come up with a </div> <div>                                                                  communications solution." </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Your about 12 to 15 from the</div> <div>                                                                  river </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: If Redlun and the village are</div> <div>                                                                  burning, Boma might notice! </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: 8-) </div> <div>                                                                  tacit01: <um - isn't it too late then?> </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: "how fair the other Lords in the</div> <div>                                                                  area. Who else is our neighbors? </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: Well guys, I'm gonna have to</div> <div>                                                                  pack it in soon </div> <div>                                                                  Missiledine: pick up here Thurs? </div> <div>                                                                  Dukejr01: okay. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Missiledines Archives"><U>Back to Archives</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>