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Post by randomman on Sept 1, 2011 20:28:33 GMT -5
It was a cold, windy mornig when Dave set up under a big apple tree near the market place of Redmont Fief. "Mabye I should set up a sign or something," he thought, but repressed the thought, "No... if someone needs me, they'll know," He had spent half of the night walking around, setting up posters advertising himself. The streets were quickly filling up as people began to awake. Dave sighed, "I wonder who will come first, if at all," he thought, "I'm down to my last copper," The thought of being truly broke just seemed to make him smile. "Don't you worry, Dave MacConnor," he said aloud, "They will come, they will need you, you will fight, then you will have more than enough money, and drink, to meet your needs," the thought made him burst out laughing. He sighed, all to do now was wait.
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 5, 2011 21:47:22 GMT -5
Kurohi walked through Redmont's marketplace after sharing a drink with his friends in a tavern before getting ready to head home. He had some supplies bundled on his packhorse And was just about to leave when he saw a poster advertising a warrior's services.
"Another freelancer?" he muttered to himself. "Great. As if there aren't few enough jobs around here anyway. Might as well investigate, figure out if he'll be any real competition." As he walked on, he saw the young man pictured in the poster by a tree and approached.
"So," he began, his voice, and what little was visible of his expression under the hood of his cloak, betraying no hint of emotion, "you must be the freelancer with all those posters up everywhere. Jobs are limited around here lately, people do better when they're not going solo. The name is Kurohi Fubuki. What do you say we team up, at least until work is more available?"
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Post by randomman on Sept 6, 2011 7:40:45 GMT -5
Dave looked up at the stranger. From what he could tell from the hooded, he sized him up to be slightly taller than he was. His accent gave him away as Nihon-Ja.
"So, you must be the freelancer with all those posters up everywhere"
"Dave MacConnor's the name, fighting's the game, you need something?"
"What do you say we team up, at least until work is more available?" This caught Dave by surprise, this man who he had met minutes ago, was asking him for a partnership. Dave thought about it. He had a good point, and Dave could use a partner.
"Okay Mr. Fubuki, you have a deal," he began with a smile, "I must warn you though, I don't fight like the average warrior,"
Another thought occurred to Dave, "About pay, I'm about broke, and if this partnership is going to work, we need to discuss pay," he began, attempting to tap in to what his father taught he, "how about we split profits 50-50, it's a good deal and I warn you, you will not find a better one,"
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 6, 2011 10:40:13 GMT -5
"Okay Mr. Fubuki, you have a deal," he began with a smile, "I must warn you though, I don't fight like the average warrior."
"I suspected as much from your build. If i had to guess, I'd say your style focuses on precision rather than overwhelming power. My style can harldy be considered typical either." If he was right in his assessment of Dave's fighting style, he realized, the two could be a powerful combination. Kurohi knew that he made a good choice for a partner.
"About pay, I'm about broke, and if this partnership is going to work, we need to discuss pay,"; he began, attempting to tap in to what his father taught he, "how about we split profits 50-50, it's a good deal and I warn you, you will not find a better one."
"50-50 is fine by me, I was assuming that would be our arrangement. One other question, what is your view on killing on an assignment. I know some prefer to allow skilled enemies to survive. Personally, I think that is foolish. Unless the assignment specifically requires live capture, I put down any attackers. Especially for my skilled opponents, I believe if I have them beaten, they deserve a warrior's death."
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Post by randomman on Sept 6, 2011 13:42:08 GMT -5
"One other question, what is your view on killing on an assignment. I know some prefer to allow skilled enemies to survive. Personally, I think that is foolish. Unless the assignment specifically requires live capture, I put down any attackers. Especially for my skilled opponents, I believe if I have them beaten, they deserve a warrior's death."
"You mean that people let enemies live," Dave laughed, "But seriously, I'm on your side in this case, especially if they pose a threat to my partners,"
"And, by the way, I'm sorry to say I won't do contracts for nobles," he added, "My family was betrayed by a nobleman, and I never forgave the upper class, if I was hired to escort one or by a ranger or someone like that, it wouldn't bother me, but I will not do any contracts that require doing their dirty work. I'm sorry if this interferes with your job, and if it's a problem, I wouldn't hold it over you if you just walked away now, but if you can handle that, then, I say, what's our first job?
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 6, 2011 19:55:19 GMT -5
"And, by the way, I'm sorry to say I won't do contracts for nobles... But if you can handle that, then, I say, what's our first job?"
"I'm not the biggest fan of nobles either," Kurohi replied. "My reasons, though, are a bit different. They often try to hire me for assassinations against petty rivals. I have always refused such jobs. They do not protect, nor do they benefit society as a whole. The nobles here in Redmont haven't been as bad, usually hiring me as an escort, but other fiefs do not seem to have the same standards when it comes to hiring freelancers like us. As for a job, I am meeting with a client iin about an hour to hash out the details. The client is a merchant making a trade shipment to the Arridi, and is worried about pirates during the passage. The meeting is to establish the timeframe and payment. How does that sound?"
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Post by randomman on Sept 7, 2011 7:24:51 GMT -5
"How does that sound?"
Dave smiled, "Sounds great, just lead the way,"
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Post by Brandwyn on Sept 9, 2011 19:47:50 GMT -5
(OOC: Okay, here is the whole post. I deleted your following posts to keep continuity in the story.)
>>>
Tony the Razor was cooling his heels in an upscale Inn in Redmont awaiting the arrival of a new client. This merchant was looking to hire a ship to deliver some valuable cargo to Arridi and a friend of Tony’s had heard about the job and recommended the Krackatowan Razor for the job.
This was the first time Tony, currently going by his real name, Captain Antonio de Cartina, had ever set foot in Redmont fief. It was also the first time he had set foot on Araluen soil since his unfortunate involvement with the kidnapping of King Duncan more than a year ago. Not knowing if his face was plastered up on wanted posters or not, Tony had taken care to lighten his black hair to a coffee brown and loose his traditional clothing for a more conservative, almost military-looking outfit just in case there were bounty hunters out looking for him. He was dressed in a plain brown leather jerkin that fell down to his knees and was split up to the waist in the front and back. Under that was a pale blue, long-sleeved linen shirt with buttoned cuffs and a high collar, both of which sported gold threaded embroidery in a scallop design around the cuffs and collar. His tight fitting breeches were of a dark blue wool and buttoned just under his knees where the tops of his hard leather boots left off. Over it all he had been wearing a dark brown wool cloak which was now draped over the back of his chair. On his head was a leather hat whose wide-brim drooped in several spots, giving him the look of a sailor on hard times. The hat had been very effective in diverting the heavy rain the day before from running down his neck and into his jerkin, so even though he thought it looked silly, he had come to appreciate the hat.
He’d had to travel inland from the western coast of Araluen and the free town of Selsey under the direction of a young lad from the town who knew the secret route by land in and out of the nearly inaccessible seaport. Selsey wasn’t technically a part of Araluen or any fief due to the fact very few people knew of its existence and there had been some territorial dispute and oversight back when the fief’s were formed that had led to Selsey being excluded. The inhabitants of the town were fishermen and smugglers for the most part and it was most likely the roughest, toughest seaport anywhere on the Araluen coastline. People in Selsey made a habit of not asking and not answering questions and that was the only place Tony had agreed to drop anchor along the Araluen coast. He wasn’t sure if he was making a big mistake or not, but the potential profit enticed him to gamble on this significant risk.
Although Tony didn’t show it by the way he was lounging back in his chair, mug of ale in hand and his feet kicked up on the hearth in the side room of the Copper Kettle, he was actually a nervous wreck. So many things could go wrong and the longer he was away from his ship, the more nervous he became. He was just about to leave when the door opened and the handmaiden ushered in a very wealthy looking merchant. Tony turned from regarding the dwindling amount of ale in his mug to study the newcomer.
The merchant tipped the girl and she hastily left after placing three crystal glasses and a bottle of white wine on the table and promising to bring in the other gentleman when he arrived. The wine was already breathing and Tony could just make out the label from his angle and noted that it was a halfway decent wine, though not a particularly expensive one.
“Captain de Cortina?” the merchant asked.
Tony nodded and slowly got to his feet, setting his mug on the table next to the wine. “I am,” he nodded and held out his hand. “You may call me Antonio or Captain, as you prefer.” He gave the merchant’s hand a hefty squeeze as he tried to speak with an Araluen accent and not give away his Toscana heritage. “Cyrus tells me that you wish to ship some precious cargo to Arridi.” The merchant nodded. “You realize that not only is it a very long way from here, but that it is a very dangerous voyage, I assume?” Tony eased back into his chair and motioned for the merchant to sit as well. “Pirates are a problem in several locations along the usual route, not to mention a hefty levy of taxes even to pass through certain waters, especially where most cargo ships put in for re-supply. The usual route takes about three months and most port at Toscano and just before entering the canal and Arridi waters.” Tony could tell this was nothing new for the merchant.
“I have been told that you know how to avoid such…expenses and delays.” The merchant poured out a bit of the wine into a glass and sniffed it, swirling it around and holding it up to the torchlight. “If I wanted the usual route, any cargo ship would have sufficed.”
Tony smiled, “You were sent to the right place. I just wanted to make sure you understood why my services are in such demand.” He put his feet back up on the hearth, trying to dry out his brown leather boots that were still soaked from yesterday’s cold rain. Springtime in Redmont so far was living up to everything dismal thing he’d ever heard about it. “I not only avoid the usual ports and re-supply from a little known gem in the great sea, but the Razor has a reputation which prevents most pirates from even thinking about tackling her. Only the strongest pirates would attempt to attack and only if they thought I was carrying something worth the battle.” He didn’t add that during the past year he’d been left pretty much unmolested (if one discounted Sklaw) by the other pirates because they figured he didn’t have anything of value. This had been the case right after his fiasco with the King, but he had been cultivating the story that he had fallen on hard times even though his business in the last few months had never been better.
“Barring a bad storm, I can shave almost a month off the trip and I can pretty much guarantee there won’t be any extra taxes, so long as we don’t get caught up by some military vessel. The problem becomes the canal and the end of the journey in Arridi. We will need to hire some fighting men to defend the ship and cargo because my crew is going to have their hands full negotiating the canal. Bandits along the sides of the canal often prey on vessels. Archers would be ideal.” Tony dropped his feet to the floor and leaned forward and stared at the merchant intently.
“One thing though, I want to know up front what the cargo is. I don’t take on secret cargo anymore and if it is people – it ain’t cargo. I’m not a passenger ship.” This was a new policy so he didn’t get burned again like the Lady had done to him. “So if you don’t want to disclose your cargo, then the deal is off.” He wanted this out of the way before they even began to haggle for price. He sat back and cross his arms, hoping the merchant wouldn’t change his mind.
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 10, 2011 23:39:09 GMT -5
"Just lead the way." "The meeting place is at an inn called the Copper Kettle. This way." He led the way to the inn, where he saw the merchant, Pierre Montefeuille talking with a man. Approaching, Kurohi realized the man was the captain of the Razor. Knowing the cargo of precious metals to be transported, he suddenly had a bad feeling about this job.
"Hello there," he said, throwing up his all-business, near-emotionless mask as he and Dave pulled up chairs. "Good to see you again Pierre. I assume this man is the captain of the chartered ship?" Upon receiving confirmation, he continued. "This is Dave MacConnor. We are working together for the time being, and with the cargo, an extra man is always beneficial. Anyway, I know you wanted to sort out the details of the trip, and I am sure you have other business to attend to, so should we get sttarted?" As he spoke Kurohi realized the captain likely knew of his reputation as well. He doubted the man would be foolish enough to try anything, but decided to warn him later anyway.
"Captain," Pierre began, "you know the route better than we do. When do you recommend leaving? I'd prefer within the next few days if possible, though I could use a day to get some arrangements made here. Kurohi, Dave, do you know any good archers? Even just one or two could make a difference."
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Post by randomman on Sept 12, 2011 17:55:59 GMT -5
"This way."
The moment Dave entered the Copper Kettle and saw who the captain would be, he had to struggle to prevent his face from paling. Even in Celtica, Tony the Razor was known as an unseemly. And the man sitting next to the merchant was him- no matter how well he tried to conceal his face. He had to admit that Tony was good at disguise, but Dave had been trained to see with his eyes, not his mind by his old sword master.
What worried Dave most is that he didn't know what this deal was. He hoped it was just metal, but hiring a pirate to transport it made things seem worse.
"This is going to be fun," Dave thought, he sat down with a smile on his face.
"Kurohi, Dave, do you know any good archers? Even just one or two could make a difference."
Dave looked over at one of the tables, and recognized the lanky young stable-boy sipping at a bowl of broth.
He leaned forward, "That boy over their is called Small Tom," he said pointing at the boy, "Last night, while I put up posters offering my services, I noticed him practicing with a wooden bow. Shooting at various targets. He may be young, but he handled that bow with amazing precision. I bet that he would be glad to be of service if the innkeeper allows him. He may not be your first pick, but in such short time, a good, trained archer is hard to come by," He remembered how hard a time his father had trying to hire archers on such short notice, "If there are no objections, I'll go over and ask him."
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 12, 2011 19:29:09 GMT -5
"If there are no objections, I'll go over and ask him."
Pierre and Kurohi both looked over at the young man Dave pointed out, then at each other, and the black-clad fighter nodded.
"Go ahead," replied the merchant. Kurohi leaned over toward the client.
"You do know this captain is a pirate right?" he whispered.
"I am aware of his reputation, yes," Pierre whispered back. "In fact, I'm counting on it. As I'm counting on yours to keep him in line, "demon shadow". He has assured me he will make no trouble, but better to be safe."
"I will keep an eye on him, you can be certain of that." He then turned towards Tony.
"So captain," he began. "How fast is this ship of yours? I have heard rumors, but what do you have to say about it? I know the trip to the Arridi coast is a long one."
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Post by randomman on Sept 13, 2011 15:50:55 GMT -5
"Go ahead," Dave smiled and walked off towards Small Tom as Kurohi leaned in towards the merchant to whisper something.
"May I sit here?" Dave asked Tom as he pulled back a chair, the boy nodded, he seemed occupied with something, "Something wrong?" Dave asked.
Small Tom sighed, "The inn keeper there fired me," he said.
"Why?"
"I lost a horse yesterday," Tom said, "It wasn't my fault, it was too giddy, when I tried to harness it to a post, it nearly kicked me and ran off, but that blasted innkeeper said I was distracted and let it get away,"
"Hm, this may be beneficial," Dave said.
"How so?" Tom asked, puzzled. Dave pointed to the merchant, "That man over there is hiring a ship for a trading mission to the Arridi, he hired me and a partner as guards, and was asking for archers, and I suggested you, what do ya say?"
"Boy would I," Tom said, a bit too loudly, then he realized something, "Wait a minute, who are you?"
"Oh where are my manners," Dave said, "The name is Dave MacConnor, mercenary," he held out his hand. Tom shook it.
Tom sat back, "Why's you suggest me, I'm no great archer," he said.
"Yes," Dave agreed, "but I did see you practicing last night and that is all I needed to see to know that you got promise," he said, "So, what do you say,"
Tom smiled, "At your service Mr. MacConnor,"
"Good, I hope you have your bow, they may want a demonstration," Dave said.
Tom removed a cloth from his lap to reveal a small wooden hunting bow and a quiver of crude arrows. Dave knew that he might need some better supplies soon enough, but that could wait for the morrow.
"Come on," Dave said, "Let's get you introduced," With that he walked back to the table.
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Post by Brandwyn on Sept 15, 2011 8:53:49 GMT -5
"Hello there," he said, throwing up his all-business, near-emotionless mask as he and Dave pulled up chairs. "Good to see you again Pierre. I assume this man is the captain of the chartered ship?" Upon receiving confirmation, he continued. "This is Dave MacConnor. We are working together for the time being, and with the cargo, an extra man is always beneficial. Anyway, I know you wanted to sort out the details of the trip, and I am sure you have other business to attend to, so should we get started?"
Tony studied the two newcomers with interest as they approached. He thought he caught a glimmer of recognition from both of them and then was sure when they both tried to conceal just a hint of nervousness. He wiped the corners of his mouth and smoothed his mustache to hide a faint smile and then a thoughtful frown. Obviously the wanted posters about him contained a very accurate likeness of his features. He was going to have to persuade the King somehow to pardon him, but that was a mission for another time.
He greeted the two sellswords, “Hello men. I hope that your services won’t be necessary, but realistically we all know that won’t be the case.” Tony sat back and crossed his arms after shaking their hands.
"Captain," Pierre began, "you know the route better than we do. When do you recommend leaving? I'd prefer within the next few days if possible, though I could use a day to get some arrangements made here.”
“My ship should be re-supplied by the time we get your goods to the coast.” Tony answered. “If you have it ready to ship we can leave at sunset tonight. I would just as soon not be followed out of the city here. I am sure you understand.” Tony winked at Pierre. “It will likely take two days to get the cargo to the coastal port for the route is hidden. I have a guide to lead us on the best path back, but the descent to the beach is not going to be easy.” Tony reached into his tunic front and pulled out a roll of oiled pigskin and spread it on the table. It was a map of the ocean routes of the western seas. Arridi was just off the edge of the map on the right side.
Pierre was asking the other two about archers and Dave went to talk to a peasant boy about hiring him as Kurohi whispered to Pierre about Tony’s more colorful profession. Again Tony suppressed a grin. Not only was he a pirate, but he had fairly good hearing as well. He pretended he hadn’t heard the exchange, however and continued to plant mugs on the corners of the map to hold it down.
"So captain," he began. "How fast is this ship of yours? I have heard rumors, but what do you have to say about it? I know the trip to the Arridi coast is a long one."
Tony glanced at Kurohi and said, “Well, she won’t outrun a Gallican warbird when she is fully loaded, but she does outrun most of the other pirate ships out there. Sklaw’s is a bit faster, but I have a little surprise for him if he decides to tangle with me again. I have also made some modifications to the ole girl and so far she hasn’t let me down.” Tony traced a shipping route on the map that made several ports at major towns along the coastline between Gallica and Toscano. “This is the usual route and if one puts in at all the usual stops, it takes weeks to get anywhere near the Arridi coast.” Tony then traced his finger far to the south, into the deep sea and then over to the edge of the map. “If one stocks up on food and fresh water and rations it, with a good tail wind and no storm to blow us off course, we can make a series of islands that are round about in this area,” his finger traced a hundred mile circle in the middle of nowhere, “and re-supply there. It cuts off three weeks at least and you get to visit a gorgeous tropical paradise that is rarely seen by civilized eyes.” He let the men study the map for a bit. “Of course there is risk, as I said. The threat of pirates shouldn’t be too great until we get way over here, just before we get to the canal through Arridi. However, if we get a storm or a head wind and it takes us too long to reach the islands, we could run out of fresh water.”
Tony rolled the map back up and stuffed it in his tunic again. “My current crew has made the trip once before, so they won’t be so superstitious this time.” He shook his head, “Last time they thought I was stark raving sun-mad and nearly mutinied on me. Once there, I plan to take on some cargo of my own as well as food and water. We should be there only two days at most. This time of year, the weather should be favorable and I have oars should we hit a calm spot.” The fact was that Tony had added oars to his ship after that first trip to those islands. If it had not been for the calm, the crew wouldn’t have come so close to throwing him overboard.
Dave came back with the lad in tow and Tony looked him over. “Well, son, if you want the job, Pierre here is the one doing the hiring, but on the ship you all listen to me and my first mate, Mortimer. That includes you too, my friend,” Tony said to Pierre. “Is your cargo ready to go, Pierre? If so we can meet at your warehouse at dusk and set out. Kurohi and Dave, will you see to it that no one follows us as we leave the city? I don’t trust Sklaw, he has spies everywhere and as you both know, there might be some other people interested in my activities.”
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Post by randomman on Sept 19, 2011 15:42:54 GMT -5
Dave followed the captain down the streets of Redmont, the night was dark and chilly, without so much as a moon to light the way, but Dave could see quite well after his eyes adjusted. He had sent Tom ahead to walk with the captain.
Suddenly, Dave heard a rustling behind him. He whipped around to see 3 leather-clad men right behind them. The men hadn't thought of being seen. The silent grating of knives clearing their scabbard sent Dave on high alert. The men advanced towards them, knives raised in position to kill. Dave knew these men meant trouble, and assumed they must be some of Sklaw's men.
"Assassins, incoming," he told Kurioh, and lunged towards 2 of the 3 assailants.
He let the assassin's strike first. As the first one jabbed, Dave ducked under him, appearing on the other side in a flash. He let the second man stab at him and then sprung into action. He slid under one man and came up behind him. In one fluid motion, Dave cleared his sword from it's scabbard, took the man's legs from under him, and cleaved downwards, nearly disemboweling the man. He died on the spot he fell.
Dave's attention changed to the 2nd man, who attacked with a greater force. Dave dodged all his blows, and, deciding to take this one alive for information, rained blow after blow on him. Dave even started to mess around, dodging him, and returning with a punch. He had to try not to begin laughing. Eventually, the man fell, unconscious bleeding from multiple areas. Dave turned to make sure Kurioh was okay.
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erevan
Apprentice Cook
Posts: 57
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Post by erevan on Sept 22, 2011 8:14:17 GMT -5
When he heard Dave say there was trouble behind them, Kurohi instantly formed a plan. He waited until one of the attackers was right behind him, then spun around, drawing his blades and slitting the man's throat.
"Some assassin," he said coldly. "If this is all we have to worry about, this assignment will be easy." As he turned to help Dave with the last opponent, a flash of movement up ahead caught his eye.
"You three, get down!" he shouted, sheathing his blades and tackling Pierre to the ground. A crossbow bolt flew overhead, and Kurohi saw a cloaked figure disappear into the trees. The glimpse of purple on the cloak marked the shooter as someone even Kurohi was not fond of fighting. As the group got back to their feet and Dave came up, he delivered the grim news.
"Someone knows about this operation," he said quietly. "More importantly, they do not simply want to stop the shipment. They want either you or the captain dead Pierre. There is at least one Genovesan after us. They are hired for one thing only around here: to kill."
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