[The Crescent Arena]The Etzori iron heel shakes the rust off

Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:12 pm

Finn O'Connor

:: 1st Ashan, 717

To his dismay, the guard approached him and rested a heavy hand on his shoulder. Finn furrowed his brows. Why did people always feel the need to hold him in place? Nevertheless, he answered truthfully to the guard's questions as to what had happened, then pointed after the half-breed and the barbarian. For once Finn obeyed a Black Guard. After having witnessed what the state was capable of, he no longer felt the urge to test their patience.

--

Second Story Inn, a while later.

A few odd looks were sent his way as he stalked into the tavern. Fortunately, the inebriated weren't known for having a long attention span and the sight of the little devil soon vanished from their minds. The black guard that accompanied him urged him to describe the pair he'd seen to the bartender and the bartender pointed them to the room in which the pair had disappeared. Finally then, the guard let him go and vanished into another room, leaving Finn to his own devices. He's not going to do anything? Finn thought to himself. Well, in that case, he would take justice into his own hands...

Careful to skip over the creaky steps on the stair, Finn pattered over to the door he'd seen the pair vanish into and pressed his ear against the wood. The sound was muffled and he couldn't make out every word that was said, but he clearly heard "Reform" followed by "Etzos". Frowning he kept listening until the voices died down, then quickly pulled his ear from the door as it swung open.

The pair headed down into the common room and followed, then halted by the Black Guard who'd accompanied him. Still, nothing seemed to come of it.

They weren't going to get away so easily. Not under his watch.

"Followers!" he cried at the top of his lungs as he jumped down the stairs and pointed at them before they could leave. The guests of the tavern quieted and turned to look at the half-breed and the man with the auburn beard.

"I heard them," Finn continued as he strode over to Gangui. "They're followers of Faldrun!"

Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:16 am

Second Story Inn Common Area

Securing his plate armor into the lock box and locking the door to the room was the last thing Gangui did before hurrying downstairs after Nightshade Eld. Though still clad from head to toe in blue chain-mail, he wore a long gray tunic over it all. This gave him a much more casual vibe despite the bastard sword - Liberty - swinging from his hip. The new leather walking boots he bought in Ashan looked completely obtuse compared to the other clothes he had on.

Gangui felt confident descending the stairs into the common area. Nightshade Eld was on his side and he was eternally grateful for her. Not only was she an accomplished warrior with unshakable morals, but she also seemed to have an organized mind despite the chaotic environment that was Etzos; Gangui hadn't really thought about the logistics of the expedition until she had mentioned it either.

The tavern was a very lively scene that night, completely untouched from the horrendous executions that had taken place not an break before. The minstrel's strings hummed a cheery uptempo beat, with the buzzing noise of laughter, clinking glasses, and conversation taking the place of a bard's song. The atmosphere of the Second Story Inn was beginning to rub off on the angry barbarian, but this was soon halted when a member of the Black Guard was spotted.

"We are innocent, we have nothing to fear," Gangui whispered to Nightshade before stepping up to see what the deal was. The Black Guard laid out his intentions immediately which produced a sour look on Gangui's face. Anger swelled up again at the fact that the authorities had been eavesdropping on him. Instinctively his hand went for Liberty, but one look at Nightshade stopped him. Yes, you're right... Taking a deep breath, they watched in silence as the man departed.

Suddenly the music screeched to a stop and all eyes in the tavern were looking at the little bastard kid from earlier who was suddenly standing right next to Gangui, yelling blasphemy upon his reputation. The white burning flash of anger struck the barbarian once again at being accused of Immortal worship. Grinding his teeth the barbarian stepped forward and slapped the bastard-boy in the face with naked knuckle, "Lying little shit!" Pinning the kid on the floor, the barbarian struggled with the slippery creature for a moment before getting him into a position he could repeatedly spank his butt-cheeks as it was the typical punishment for children. The half-blood's face turned red with anger as he taught the boy a lesson, slamming his open palm as hard as he could manage, "Don't! Ever! Make! False! Accusations!" This was exactly what his father did to him, though how much it really helped was up for debate. Public abuse and corporal punishment of children was a normal sight in Etzos and no one batted an eye, especially to a child that no parent claimed.

After a few hits, the kid squirmed out of his grasp and disappeared into the crowd. The tavern erupted in laughter and the minstrels began to play again. Nightshade Eld immediately cried out to stop the noise so she could talk. Taking deep breathes, Gangui listened to her words and gathered up his own. Once she was done, the barbarian took the scene and opened his hands as if welcoming all those in the tavern.

"Second-Story Inn! You all know Nightshade Eld! There is not a finer and loyal warrior to the Etzorsi cause in all the tavern!" Gangui slammed his fist into his palms to all those around, "We have a contract with the Citadel and are forming a company of good men to embark down the Southwood River in search for stolen goods! If you are looking for a job and equal share of any booty, come talk to Nightshade Eld tonight! Thank you!"

The whole tavern yelled a cheer halfheartedly at Gangui's announcement and returned to their merry making. Turning towards his new companion the barbarian spoke softly, "I am going to go get our funds from the museum. I think you should stay here and pick three good men for our crew. I trust your decision Nightshade," Clasping arms with the woman and looking her in the eyes, Gangui nodded before departing out of the tavern. In all honesty, Gangui had no idea if three men would be enough to complete the mission.

As he stepped through the threshold of the tavern a fierce grip clamped on his elbow. Gangui almost responded with violence, but when he saw it was Toom he did nothing. "You watch yourself barbarian, you got pretty close to pissing me off there," the owner of the Tavern said with a frightening glare. Gangui almost crumbled under his gaze. Toom could shatter their reputation among the people in moments if he wanted to. Although the Black Guard from earlier held more authority, Gangui valued Toom's grace more.

"It was nothing, it was just a stupid kid," Gangui responded in all honesty, looking him in the eyes.

Toom released his grip, "Fuck the bloody kid! Nightshade Eld is good company here, otherwise I wouldn't take kindly to this incident, especially attracting a fucking Black Guard around,"

"It won't happen again," The barkeep was definitely someone Gangui respected, though it did anger him that he needed to submit to this man.

Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:35 pm

The situation in the inn got progressively worse with each passing moment. The first horrible thing on the list was the guard approaching the pair. It took every ounce of her own strength to hold back from snapping at the guard, it took even more strength to school her features and give Gangui a look that was better than any verbal stop. Her eyes burned with the same hatred as his, but her features were more resigned. Clenched as her jaw was, it was exactly that, clenched. "Those without power should not speak. Not until they have people around them who are willing to parrot the words," she growled in a low tone after the guard had left. Every muscle in her body was tense, ready for the fight she had expected to break out. Of course her body was more so tensed with the willingness to break up any bar fights that her passionate compatriot decided he was going to start. She took a deep breath herself, trying to draw in air that didn't reek of alcohol. She would have no such luck, but the intake of oxygen did allow her a moment to calm her nerves and steel them against whatever came next.

Then out of no where the worst thing that could of possibly happened, did happen. A familiar little brat of a child came running up to them and practically screeched at the top of his disgusting little lungs that she was following one of her worse nightmares. "Excuse me?" She snarled as the sharp sensation of violence filled her mind. She could practically feel the avriel half of her nature sneering at her. "Faldrun is one of the last immortals I would ever bend my knee to," she growled. Her voice was easily washed away by the murmuring of the tavern as well as Gangui's... punishment. She quietly told herself that if by some miracle she ever ended up with a child, they would never be punished like that. Then again they would never act like this street rat either. She worried her lip trying to gauge the situation to the best of her knowledge. There was muttering, the potential damage to her reputation was without any kind of calculation in a place like this. This was the inn she came to for work the most whenever she had free time. There was always someone willing to throw coin to make their problems go away, especially since a good deal of them were drinking because of those problems.

Despite the laughing that followed afterwards she could feel the sharp glares of some of the less regular customers. Their judgement felt hot against her skin, like a burning rod made out of molten iron. "Children!" She roared out. "I swear they need to be raised better, not to go around randomly accusing strangers of immortal worship. Especially not strangers who have done damage to an immortal that everyone in this room can call their enemy. If the Plague Lord still lives then she won't be coming back any time soon," the half breed said in her best attempt to discredit the child's remark, referring to her exploits back in Vhalar in regards to ol' Bug Eyes. It was one of the stories that she'd been able to tell with pride, how she'd been the one to rob Lissira of her antenna and practically doom her to the growing mob. She didn't boast the story often, but when she did it was certain to draw both ears and eyes as it was doing so now. With that said she glanced at Gangui, a slight amount of pleading in her eyes. It was frankly up to him to save this entire mess. She'd gotten things started on being straightened out, but it would have to be him that saved the show. After all, he was the one so hell bent on this expedition.

She felt herself sigh in relief, her entire body relaxing as Gangui managed to smooth over the situation. She tried not to let her body sag with the amount of pressure and fear that it had taken off of her shoulders. She'd been at this for so damn long, if she kept working hard enough then maybe she'd be able to start swaying the hearts of Etzos with her words. She knew she was close. A little under half way perhaps? But if she started to be accused of immortal following, then down into a tail spin she'd go. It was a hard and careful balance to keep. But honestly, did she worship immortals? She followed powerful leaders, but worship them? That was something she honestly felt was degrading in a way. Not just to people but also to the immortals. She had a different kind of devotion to them, devotion none the less, but it was a more refined trust of leadership than it was a blind cult following like some of the immortals demanded.

The half breed nodded, still feeling the ball of stress rolling around in her gut. Gangui had helped the situation, but at the same time he didn't. Now she was starting to get the curious glances of various ruffians, each one looked like they were trying to size her up. None of which looked to be suitable in slightest she might add. After Gangui had left the inn the half breed took a moment to approach the barkeep when she was without someone curious about their quest wrapped around her seat.

"Toom, I am so sorry! I had no idea that something like this would happen. Trust me, if I had an idea that anything which has happened today was going to... I just wouldn't of gotten out of bed! But really a Black Guard, I can barely even begin to imagine the kind of mess something like this can cause. And I'm speaking from my own experience. Specifically the first time I came to the city," the half breed shivered slightly remember how the guards had used to treat her. They had become kinder over the seasons considering how much she'd done outside the city to make their jobs easier. Not to mention thanks to various situations she'd started to get closer to members. That wasn't even starting on the fact Mal had won her a little favor among the militia. Even if she didn't trust them, she'd done enough in seasons passed to at least earn some respect. "If there's anything I can do to make it up to you, just let me know. You've been a good friend. A lot kinder than most would be to a half avriel, especially the first time I wandered in and we didn't really know each other. You helped me get one of my very first jobs, I wouldn't of been able to get myself on my feet without that. Take care," the half breed said. She just wanted to make sure that everything was okay with the man. She didn't view him in the same regards as Gangui. She didn't fear him for the damage he could cause, she instead respected him for the help that he'd offered her in the past. She was never sure why. Perhaps it had been the promise of a potentially good ally once she did gain power, or maybe it was just good old sympathy. Something she'd never gotten much of.

After that her attention turned to a much more complex task. "How am I gonna find three people in here who are even vaguely a good idea of bringing along," she muttered to herself as she continued to look around. This was going to be a long afternoon...

(-)(-)(-)(-)

Well, she was right. It took her a good many arduous hours to find even the semblance of a good crew. The first person seemed to have good promise, a spit fire of a woman with long swept brown hair and a blaze churning in her eyes. She seemed to be the quickest out of the group she'd assembled. Light on her feet and good with a rapier. She could be useful if used properly, but she also seemed like the kind of person to stab someone in the back if they had the coin to be worth the effort. So basically Nightshade was currently staring down someone who was best described as a rouge or a thief. Yet, there was a kind of honor that the half breed was able to pick up on. The idea gave her a rush of hope, perhaps it wasn't too late for this one.

The second person that she'd brought onto their team was a Lothar, of course male, and of the largest size she'd seen yet. If they needed muscle then he would be perfect, a good fit for the team since Night wasn't the strongest person in the world and she wasn't exactly sure about how well Gangui could hold his own weight. That said he had the looks to be stronger than anyone on the team by a long shot, so he was worth the effort of bringing along. Worse came to worse she was certain he'd be good with unarmed combat. And if not then surely Night could convince him to jump on someone. From the proper distance he'd crush their spines before they had a chance to actually stab him.

The final guy was the one that Night was the most hopeful about. A true knight, through and through. He had a black and white kind of nature which was slightly worrying, but he seemed loyal and he was the only one out of the group she'd picked who liked heavy armor. The first had show her preference for leather and the Lothar... the Lothar generally didn't like clothing and certainly didn't like armor. It was blessing enough that he was wearing pants, a shirt was too much for the half breed to ask for apparently and she was left trying her hardest not to make any eye contact with his six pack. She wasn't being a shy blushing mess in the face of hotness, no, she was just being really awkward and frankly a little freaked out. The knight had tried to comfort her while the rouge had just laughed off the situation, repeatedly slapping the Lothar's abs to which he gave no response.

"This is the best I could do," half breed whimpered when Gangui did finally return. Her expression betrayed how distraught she was by the results. They were obviously the best fighters in the entire inn! But their personalities left much to be desired...

Wed Apr 26, 2017 10:58 pm

-snip-

Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:03 am

Through the Citadel, into the Pillars of Society

Walking at a quick and deliberate pace, Gangui worked up a sweat. Although he couldn't feel the runnels under the chain-mail, he felt the beads drip down his face. There were two benefits for be dressed the way he did; he gained unquestioned respect from stupid peasants for simply appearing in blue cobalt, but also anonymity from the commands of lesser authority for being draped in a plain gray tunic. Gangui was not conscious however of the reputation and political risks of being an unmarked swordsman traversing in the Citadel. This did not stop him before and would definitely not stop him now.

Single minded in his task of obtaining the start up cost for the expedition, the barbarian used this short hike into the heart of Etzos to sort out his thoughts. Though not intentionally trying to be stealthy, he followed the fastest route he knew, which had him climbing through an urban switchback of allies and stairs.

'There is so much to do and so little time,' The sword on his hip clipped an awkwardly laid stone that jutted out of the ground. He paused for a moment looking over his shoulder suspiciously before realizing what had happened.

'My father taught me better than this!' Staring down at the stone steps as he climbed, Gangui beat himself up for not planning out the logistics of the expedition.

Unfortunately Gangui did not know a side door or back way into the Citadel. For the benefit of anyone who cared to watch, he had to openly ascend the main steps and walk through the portcullis that divided the Pillars of Society from the other areas. Briefly looking around, he noticed that the citizenry had already departed from the executions, but the Arena still seemed to be torch-lit in the distance.

'Blast it! Nightshade Eld will help me figure out the supplies and the men, but it's my responsibility that we are successful... Stupid statuettes... That's it... Curator Ron, you are coming with me... one way or another...' Gangui was so intent on his mental planning, he completely forgot about the soldiers who guarded the entrance of the grand structure. Two armed men standing under the torch lit entrance of the museum stopped the warrior in his tracks before he realized what was going on.

"Woah!" The red eyed guard sputtered, standing in a wide stance with two hands on a spear, "Where do you think you're going?"

Gangui sighed when he remembered all the formalities the elites demanded from him. Taking a deep breath and backing off a couple steps, the warrior submitted to their will, "I have immediate business with Curator Ron, it concerns the mission the Head Curator hired me for,"

The two guards whispered to each other for awhile, raising Gangui's anxiety level in each passing moment. Eager to progress, the barbarian held his hand in a gesture of interruption, "Please, I really need to see him. I promise it will be quick,"

Nodding to each other, the guards opened the door into the chamber. Gangui tried to follow, but didn't let him in. Fear enveloped him like stifling noose around his neck. Scared of not having an opportunity to coerce the Curator if necessary, the barbarian yelped, "Wait! No. I must see him in private. It is a grave matter. Please,"

The guards nodded to each other again and smiled. The one who spoke held a leather hand out and coughed. Unaware of such Etzorsi nuances, the barbarian began to feel rage surge up his stomach, "Uh...What!?"

"You know the drill, gold or these doors don't open," A broken smile flickered at Gangui. Holding back his anger, the barbarian's right eye began to twitch. For a moment he considered busting through the guards. Despite his feelings, he realized it was not only a stupid idea, but it was their right as gate-keepers to receive a toll. Giving into their demands, he reached into his pouch and produced a few gold nels and shoved them into guards hand reluctantly.

"Also, you don't get to take your blade in there. All weapons at the door," The guard demanded.

Reluctantly obliging to their rules, Gangui took his belt off, "I'll kill you if you take my sword, even if it is the last thing I do..."

The one guard nodded in understanding, before finally leading him through the hallowed halls of the museum were he could confront Curator Ron. The only thing the guards didn't know was he still had a dagger hidden on his body.

OOC

Minus 3 gold for bribe

Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:32 am

Finn O'Connor

:: 1st Ashan, 717

Neither took well to his accusations. The half-breed merely sputtered at him, while her fopdoodle friend seemed to boil over with rage.

Smack! The fellar dunched him right on the cheek. His legs gave way from underneath as he thudded helplessly to the floor. But before a cry of pain could escape him, Finn covered his mouth and nose with one hand and shielded his head with the other. Then, rough hands seized him. No matter how he turned and twisted, the wildling was stronger and soon had him pinned down on the coarse floorboards. Grimacing, Finn bit down on his lips and took the assault on his backside in furious silence. He'd had worse.

Cheeks red with shame, Finn vanished into the crowd at the nearest opportunity. It wasn't until he'd hidden in the darkest, furthest corner of the tavern that he felt the throbbing, burning sensation on his backside. Yet it wasn't the numbing pain that enraged him and made him clench his fists at his side. It was the laughter that hurt the most.

Part of him wanted to stalk after Gangui and dole out revenge when the bastard wasn't looking, but his wiser half argued that it would be akin to suicide and that his chances of ever exacting revenge on the man were slim anyway. What could he do? He had no weapons but his fists and starting a fight with a man twice his height in the middle of a tavern didn't strike him as particularly wise. He wouldn't be the first kid to be turned into a cripple for messing with the wrong people. All he could do was try to remember Gangui's face and remember it well so that one day, he might exact his revenge.

So decided, he slipped out of the tavern with a grimace plastered on his face and made way to return to the orphanage. One day, he promised himself, he'd make Gangui hurt.

Mon May 29, 2017 7:43 pm

Neronin had spent the last two breaks carefully cleaning the contents of some of the more mundane vaults under the museum. He was glad to finally be back at his desk. He found a note from Tabard, frowning as he unfolded it. More work.

Nero, your adventuring friend has agreed to pursue the statuettes we talked about. I've provided some funds for the expedition, the money is locked in your drawer. -Tabard

Neronin searched his memory for this friend he was talking about. Friends were few with Neronin and he would have remembered one meeting Tabard. Then the tour he had given to the brash warrior rose in his mind. Gandor, or Ganthin? He snapped his fingers and nodded to himself. Gangui, that was it. Neronin unlocked the drawer and found a small wooden box that was rather heavy. He raised his eyes as he inspected the contents.

That was quite a bit of gold Tabard was willing to pay for these insignificant relics. Personally, Neronin didn't see anything that would stop the warrior from simply taking the money and moving shop to a new city. He wouldn't even blame the man. When fortune dumped itself in your lap you didn't ask questions. Neronin didn't feel like pointing this out to Tabard, who was accustomed to having large amounts of funds at his disposal. He was the type of man who could get away with paying a man and not having a mechanism to see the job done right.

"Ah Nero, you're back! Good work." I see you've seen my note. I didn't know if I'd catch you or not on my way out." Tabard said as he exited his office. "I've been thinking, and I believe the museum should have a party present for this expedition, to protect our interests."

Oh.

"Okay." Neronin said slowly. He felt his stomach sinking.

"I'd like you to accompany him, it will give you a chance to get some fresh air." Tabard said bracingly, as if Neronin had ever given the inclination that he needed 'fresh air'. Neronin thought about raising an objection, about telling Tabard that was inconsiderate to throw him out on such short notice, to complain that he wasn't qualified to go on an expedition. Then he realized how such pathetic thoughts sounded.

"Very well." Neronin said, staring coldly up at Tabard. "I'll accompany the expedition."

Tabard waited for him to say something else. The moment stretched to uncomfortable silence. Neronin simply watched Tabard. "Well, great. I'll be off then. Don't forget to lock up when you leave, and good hunting!" He said with a smile. Neronin was sure the man knew what he had done, or else suspected. As long as he remained useful the man would opt for Neronin over a new assistant.

The mage watched his employer leave with disdain now that the man was not focused on him. He clenched his fists in fury for a moment, letting the rage simmer down. Then he pulled open the wooden box and grabbed a fistful of coins from the payment to Gangui. He counted them out. Thirty gold nels. Well if he was going to be a part of this damn show he'd get paid for it.

When Gangui did arrive Neronin heard his confrontational exchange with the guards before they opened the doors. The man was as gruff as he had been before. It was somewhat endearing. Neronin had always respected strength over privilege, and seeing Gangui stomp into the museum seemed to be a subtle metaphor for just that dynamic.

"Hello, Mister Gangui." Neronin held out a cold, pale hand. He flashed what he hoped was something like a smile and held the wooden box beneath the other arm. "I have your funds here." Neronin felt his words slightly falter as he saw how angry the man appeared. It was slightly intimidating, even though he was unarmed. He was clearly stronger, and hardened from battles Neronin hadn't experienced. Even with his sword taken, the man could hurt or even kill Neronin. "You are...ah, well?" He asked uncertainly.

Neronin briefly wondered if they had hired the right man for the job. If it was over his head that was wasted money for the statues. Really, though, Neronin wasn't interested in protecting the investments of the museum, whatever obligations his job held. "I will also be accompanying you... to protect the investment of the Etzori Museum." Neronin held the wooden box out to Gangui. "Let me just lock up the Museum and we can be on our way." Neronin said, tasting the annoyance on his tongue as he did.

He carefully locked the doors and ensured Gangui got his sword back before turning back to the warrior. "Well, let's get this... underway." He had almost said 'over with'. Neronin let the disgruntled warrior lead the way, silently fuming.

Made by Kovic

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Plot Notes · Fri Jan 12, 2018 3:03 pm

Finn

Overview

I snorted aloud at "My mum's sick, my pet's dying and I've got to water the flowers". Good try there, Finn! I enjoyed this thread, reading it through and seeing the interplay of pcs. I really like Finn as a character, he's a great pc and I love how you write his thought processes - makes for a really interesting and fun to read thread. PM me if I've missed anything.

Points

XP: 15

Fame: +5

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Knowledge

Acting: Lying To The City Guard
Tactics: Not Pressing Your Luck With The City Guard
Stealth: Eavesdropping Through A Door
Endurance: Taking A Beating

Gangui: Agressive Bastard
Nauta F'Mos Geey: Impersonating A Black Guard
Nightshade Eld: Fopdoodle

• Graded • [The Crescent Arena]The Etzori iron heel shakes the rust off

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Featured

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