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Finally... => Forum Games and Roleplaying => Roll To Dodge => Topic started by: DontBanTheMan on April 27, 2015, 06:32:49 pm

Title: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on April 27, 2015, 06:32:49 pm

Service to the Unbowed
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The year is 648 of the New Dawn Calendar, established by Emperor Falsinar during the reign of the Mayar Empire. Like all empires, however, it collapsed; leaving only the Calendar and its memory to the descendant states which rose from the ashes of the old. The Kingdom of Malinar is one such state. Ever since the destruction of the Empire five hundred years ago, Malinar has been ruled by the line of monarchs known as the Unbowed. Though the dynasty has changed from time to time, the title has remained: a badge of honor that Malinar has refused to bend the knee to any would-be conqueror, always maintaining their independence from those who would take it from them. You are an individual who has, for one reason or another, ended up in the military to defend the traditions of Malinar and serve the Unbowed. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t involve a gruesome death.
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Service to the Unbowed is a character-based roleplaying game. You will play the part of someone within the Malinar military; other than this, there are no restrictions on background, rank, or motives. There won’t be a hard cap on the number of players, but not too many will be allowed in; anywhere from five to ten. The amount does depend on what rank people sign up for; if ten people sign up for rank and file, it will be more likely that all of them will get a slot than if ten people signed up for officer positions. I expect well-written backgrounds, though I don’t need too much fluff; though it will help determine who I select, more words isn’t necessarily better. Outside of combat, there will be no turns - though there will be time, which means you'll be halted if you get too far ahead of everyone else.

Note: the level of technology is roughly Renaissance-era.

Spoiler: Dice (click to show/hide)

3D6 will be used for rolls. Crits and auto-hits only apply on a natural roll (having a +18 doesn't mean you'll always overshoot).

16-18: A  16 is an auto-hit/success, a 17 is a critical hit/success, and an 18 is an overshot.
6-15: Normal rolls. Success is determined by the opposing DC or roll.
3-5: A 5 is an auto-fail, a 4 is a critical fail, and a 3 is a critical fumble.

For each 10 points below/above 100, you get a -1/+1 to your roll. This is further modified by skills, whose ceiling is (3 + [stat bonus/2]).

Spoiler: Character Sheet (click to show/hide)

Name:
Stats: You have 160 points to spend on stats. Each stat will start at 70; to increase up to 110 costs 1 per stat gained; from 111 to 120 costs 1.5 per a stat; from 121 to 130 costs 2 per a stat, etc.
Skills: Your starting skills will be determined by your background. If you have a preference and believe I might not pick the skills you want from your background, type what you want in here.
Rank: Rank and station. If you are a non-combatant (drummer, scout, etc.), note it.
Appearance:
Background:

Spoiler: Stats (click to show/hide)

The four stats are Physical, Intellect, Charisma, and Wisdom.

The base value for each stat is 100; this is completely average. Stats will increase through profound experiences, supernatural means, and increases in your skills. They provide bonuses to related skills while also determining the skill ceiling and increasing the rate at which you gain experience for said skills.

In the case that skills are potentially used by two or more stats, the average of the stats used is what determines skill gain, ceiling, and bonuses.

Physical: Your overall fitness, health, and body type. Increases hit points, reduces risk of illness and disease, and decreases wound duration.
Intellect: Your acumen, comprehension, intelligence. Allows a greater number of starting skills and increases the rate at which you gain them.
Charisma: Your charm, force of personality, and diplomatic ability. Improves how other characters view you and increases the ease at which you can manipulate them.
Wisdom: Your sagacity, spirit, percipience. Improves willpower, increases common sense, and prevents internal turmoil.

Spoiler: Skills (click to show/hide)

Skills are widely ranging; anything from Swords skill to Calligraphy. They increase your ability to perform that skill. The formula for attempting a skill check is (3D6 + Skill + [Stat1/2] + Stat2), where Stat1 is the Skill's associated Stat up to the skill value, and Stat2 is the stat above the skill value. Skill Groups are skills that are so intrinsically linked that getting better at one will make you slightly better at all other skills within the skill group. For example, if you get very skilled with the Sword, you will also become good at melee fighting in general; the same goes for Axes, Polearms, Maces, and Daggers. These represent the Skill Group of Melee Fighting. The value of the Skill Group will be the highest skill in the group divided by two (EX: Sword 4, Melee will be 2). This means if you only practice with the Sword, you won't be rubbish at combat without one.

EXAMPLE: Our character is Jeremy. He has Physical 130 (Value of +3) and Polearm 2. He charges into combat with a spear; now, his Physical score is +3, but he doesn't receive that full bonus. He only receives half of the bonus up to 2, and then the full bonus afterwards. So, his final combat score will look something like (3D6 + 2(Polearm) + 1(2 divided by 2) + 1(Physical above 2)) = 3D6 + 4. He rolls a 10, and his final value is 14.

Spoiler: Player List (click to show/hide)

GUNINANRUNIN - Pertelay Hussar.
Cheesecake - Cannon Gray.
theyamikami - Sael.
SaberToothTiger - Thomas Higgins.
Coolrune206 - Eifron Torth.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on April 29, 2015, 03:08:46 am

Name: Pertelay Hussar
Stats:
Physical 100
Intellect 110
Charisma 120
Wisdom 105
Skills: ---
Rank: Commander, Heavy Foot Company
Appearance: An immense, swashbuckling man. Nearly 40 years old. Wears his shako tipped over one ear; his longsword trails on the ground, and his red face is slashed by an impressive scar. Has moustaches six inches long, which, stiffened by wax, curl up into his ears and two big plaits of hair, braided from his temples that, escaping from his cover, hang down to his chest.
Background: Grew up under his father—at the end of his career a general in the King's Army—who had him join the cavalry at a young age in order to force the young boy to overcome his timidity. He lived as a light cavalryman for nearly a decade; at first a pitiful soldier, he distinguished himself consistently in assaults as an aggressive and confident warrior. He came into much skill with a lance due to his experience in combat, and only spent a month as a sergeant before he was promoted to the officer in charge of the first rank. Only when his second campaign was finished did he begin to dabble in politics. Using his father's social capital as a springboard he managed to acquire himself a small barony, which he spent the better part of a year managing. The improvement was so profound that the following year the count, with whom he had been decent friends since childhood, recommended him for a command, himself being a colonel and already impressed with his performance as a soldier. Since then his previously breakneck progress has slowed, and he has found himself settling. He has been the commander of his company of heavy infantry for several years now.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on April 29, 2015, 08:37:39 pm

Name: Cannon Gray
Stats:
Physical 130 (40)(15)(20)=(75)
Intellect 75 (5)
Charisma 110 (40)
Wisdom 110 (40)
Skills: ---
Rank: Lieutenant, Heavy Foot Company
Appearance: Composed entirely of muscle without an inch of brain, Cannon is as loyal and strong as he is dumb, though that is to say dumb in academic terms. His eyes are sunken and baggy, where once the recruit that wore his boots had glittering, green eyes, thirsty for battle and glory. Most of his hair has fallen out due to stress, the rest has been burnt off due to an earlier accident. The right side of his face displays numerous burns that has left his face uglier than before. The soldier stands at six feet in height, broad-shouldered with a practiced pose, though his uniform hasn't seen a cleaning longer than Cannon has seen his home.
Background: Inducted into the military at a young age, Cannon was unlike the other boys; he looked forward to the war. Unlike the other boys, he excelled in training. Unlike the other boys, he survived. And that was the breaking point. The point where he realized that war is not playing-pretend. War was not like training. His friends weren't called out and made to do laps; they died screaming. Cannon grew up that day.

Quickly, Cannon rose through the ranks and became a lieutenant. He never got close to his men because he never tried. A pitiful, vain attempt to stop himself from going through that pain again. He commands harshly, knowing (or fearing) that if one boy disobeys orders, much like last time, that boy's comrades would all lose their lives.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on April 29, 2015, 08:44:19 pm

How many players do you plan on taking?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on April 29, 2015, 10:24:24 pm

I was planning on taking from five to ten, but it's not looking like we'll reach that mark. We'll start within a few days regardless, however (By the way, if you want to sign up but don't have time to make your sheet ATM, do what Cheesecake did and Reserve a spot so I can get an estimate). If it turns into more of a solo or duo adventure, so be it.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SOLDIER First on April 29, 2015, 10:49:45 pm

I might get a sheet in soon.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on April 30, 2015, 08:43:01 pm

February 7th, 648 ND. The time is currently nine o' clock in the morning.

Commander Hussar and Second Lieutenant Gray, Keyburn Keep.

The pale light of winter shines weakly upon the worn stone walls of Keyburn Keep. The 31st Infantry Battalion has been stationed in the sorry excuse for a castle due simply to the fact that somebody had to. Keyburn, however desolate it was, has the strategic advantage of being located in the Red Hills, named so for the large reserves of copper mined from within them. The Hills (which are more often than not impassable) serve as a natural border between Malinar and two of their neighbors; Parskeet and Karrow. Not only this, Keyburn is placed right between two mountains which have earned the nickname "The Fangs", due to their sheer size and incredible likeness to each other. In order to reach the Heartland, one would either have to march through Keyburn or make a weeks-long trek around or through the hills.

This information does not lessen the suffering of having to be here.

Keyburn is notorious not only for being located in the backwater of the Kingdom, but also for its unpleasant owner: Lord Maldwick. Maldwick is known among the nobility as being a foul, unkind, spiteful human being: they were being much too kind. Maldwick once released a boy who had been imprisoned from his cells, giving him hope for freedom and redemption in the process; he did so as an excuse to torture and kill him. They say the cries rang through the hills for six days, before being replaced by laughter on the seventh. Unfortunately, this is the man who you have the unfortunate privilege of dining with every night. Heaven help you if he ever finds a reason to dislike you more than he already does (for the simple reason that you're alive).


Some things of importance to note: The kingdom is at peace, and there is no expectation of war. Your company is alone at the keep; the rest of your battalion (along with your Colonel) is stationed to the northwest, nearly fifteen miles away in Blackstone Keep. Maldwick has maybe sixty soldiers in his retinue, while your company has two hundred men; there are also twenty archers who were left here by the main force under Hussar's control. Time is free-flowing, meaning you can post as much as you want within reason, as long as you don't shoot too far ahead in game time. If it has to do with a roll or NPC action, wait for me to post; player interaction can be done without my intervention. Typical "turns" will not take place outside of combat (or situational events). If you have any questions, just ask.

Note: I will still be taking character sheets.

Spoiler: Pertelay Hussar (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 100 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 120 (0 XP)
Wisdom 105 (0 XP)
Skills: Polearms 2, Riding 1, Sword 1, [Melee 1], Leadership 1, Conversation 1.
Traits: Ambitious.
Rank: Commander, Heavy Foot Company (31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 200 Heavy Infantry [4 platoons], 20 Archers [2 squads].

Spoiler: Cannon Gray (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 130 (0 XP)
Intellect 75 (0 XP)
Charisma 110 (0 XP)
Wisdom 110 (0 XP)
Skills: Sword 2, Dodge 1, Command 1.
Traits: Cold.
Rank: Second Lieutenant, Heavy Foot Platoon (Heavy Foot Company, 31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 50 Heavy Infantry [4 squads].

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on April 30, 2015, 08:49:56 pm

Lieutenant Gray was walking with his commander through the lonesome halls. The damned draft of the desolate place was freezing. Maldwick must be stingier with firewood than Gray first thought. The sooner Gray was redeployed, the better. Breakfast was to be had soon. Gray wasn't sure if he was looking forward to it. Not if he had to dine with Maldwick.

"Sir, do I have your permission to break my fast with the men?" He cleared his throat. "To bolster morale, of course."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 01, 2015, 01:50:40 am

Hussar was busy gazing out the slit embrasures, set into the walls of the keep at even intervals, at the mottled grey of the curtain wall's battlements. It drew a stark contrast to the pure white horizon; he found it unconsciously disturbing. A blizzard? He turned his attention back to Lieutenant Gray and grunted.

A little hot food won't melt away the cold of this wretched frontier.. Regardless, make it so Mister Gray. They could use some cheering up after what happened to the sergeant.

A few nights ago one of the company's favorite NCOs had gotten a bit too punchy and was tossed out of the barracks to cool off. He took a walk on the wall and must have slipped. They found him half-buried in the snow, his neck broken. The troops were still partially in mourning in the wake of the tragedy.

Except for Cornice's platoon, his men will have to get by on single portions this morning. The colonel requested a patrol this afternoon and the way I understand it most of his troop grew up on the frontier. They'll be marching in the snow and I don't want his men to be overfed. The weather looks dangerous today, he should take the proper precautions in case they have to stay out overnight.

He paused.

Anything else, Lieutenant?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 01, 2015, 02:43:03 am

"No, sir. I'll relay the orders to Lieutenant Cornice."

Gray began his descent down into the castle's courtyard where the men set up their barracks. It was a shame Sanders was the one to fall. The men really liked Sanders. Gray made sure to watch his step down the winding stairway; the dilapidated stone was troublesome enough, but it was cold too, and a perpetual moistness lingered around the steps.

He stepped out into the courtyard. The blast of the breeze caught him unawares, at first, but he didn't feel much colder than he had inside. Now it was just windier. Trudging through the snow, Gray slowly made his arduous march to the barracks.

(What else are we meant to be doing, other than RP?)

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 03:04:44 am

As you work against the frigid wind, you count yourself lucky for your thick wool clothes. A few soldiers can be seen training under the command of a particularly (as the men see it) brutal sergeant, who you recognize to be in another platoon. Nothing else catches your eye on your way to eat, though the gate bell can be heard; nothing out of the ordinary, as merchants traveling from west to east have little choice to but to make for the Fangs. It's completely nuts that someone would be making the trip up here in this weather, though.

You finally arrive at your platoon's barracks, where just under fifty men are crammed into a space meant for thirty. One of the company's cooks can be seen in the back, scrambling to prepare the hungry soldiers' meals. Your stomach turns when the sight and smell of grits with a side of hardtack reaches you. Somehow it still seems preferable to eating with Lord Jackass, though. Many downhearted faces turn your way as you enter the room.


( Nothing at the moment; typically, you will be either roleplaying, obeying orders from higher ups (be it PC or NPC), or fighting. However, the nation is not currently at war.  Also, whatever private goals you've set for yourself. EDIT: And rolling. For stuff.)

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 01, 2015, 03:26:27 am

"Good morning, men," Gray said, though perhaps it came off as icy. Not that it would surprise anyone.

Taking a seat between the men, he cringed as the bowl of hardtack and grit was served to him. Well, it was either shit-food or Lord Jackass. Was good food really worth having to eat with him? No, he thought to himself, but it was worth stealing. Gray had an idea to bolster morale and get back at Lord Jackass.

Standing up, he addressed the fifty men under his command. "Men, you might wonder why I'm here eating shit with you. That's because, believe it or not, it's better than eating with that lord in the castle. Hell, even the cold out here is worth it. Not that it was warm in there anyway."

He called on his four sergeants. "Alright, no time to break your fast. This mission has a time-frame between now and noon, so let's get moving. Maxwell, squad one will secure a perimeter outside the castle's storehouse. Act natural. Gamble or drill yourselves, I don't care. Joseph, your squad will begin patrolling the castle halls. Tell whoever the fuck's on duty that Lieutenant Gray allowed them an hour's break. Keep an eye out for flashing light coming from out barracks."

He turned to his last two sergeants. "Asimov, your men will stay here. Questions will be raised if our entire platoon is gone, but be aware of anyone who might spot us; shine a mirror towards the castle walls. Simmons, split half of your men. First half will stay with Asimov. Second half, I want it comprised of your sneakiest men. Thieves, cheats and all you crafty sods, you're with me."

He gave a salute. Stationed here, he and the rest were wasting their potential as soldiers; they needed to feel like soldiers again. Doing this mission would bolster morale, reduce hunger and take a stab at that fatass eating all the ham. "Men, move out! We're eating well this noon!"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 03:42:17 am

You can spot a few men who don't seem overly enthusiastic, but most of the others let out a few muffled whoops as they stand up, ignoring or dumping their meals. The sergeants start giving orders, and your men set themselves to their purpose.

Trusting your men to carry out their missions, you head out with a handful of your craftiest men; you count seven, including Asimov and yourself. What you know of the storehouse is that it's usually guarded by two of Maldwick's retinue; they tend to mess around during the long, uneventful shift, but they still do their duty in watching the storehouse. They are positioned on either side of the closed double doors that are the storehouse's only entrance.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 01, 2015, 04:01:16 am

"Tch. Undisciplined backwater militia. These two green boys will be easy for you men, I hope."

"Three of you go talk to them. Taunt them, tease them, get them into a fight with you. The rest of you, get some sacks. Once the first three divert those two bumbling guards we go in and grab as much as we can. In case it's locked, bring a lockpick or a hairpin. I'm sure one of you knows how to do it.

Three of should keep taunting, throwing snowballs, as long as you can until I arrive, but do not harm them. Make as much noise and commotion as you can. When we're done liberating the food, Asimov and the other two will stash the food under a pile of snow. I will break up your 'fight' and reprimand you personally." Gray nods with a steely demeanor.

As the three go to divert the guards, he orders his team to get sacks and lockpicks. He himself goes back to the barracks and throws a pair of shovels to two sitting men. "Go dig a whole far from here, but make sure to mark it well."

When his team gets back with their wargear, he says to them, "Take only non-perishables. Make sure they can survive being caught in the cold. And let's be quick."

"Mission start."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: theyamikami on May 01, 2015, 04:59:21 am

Any chance I can still get in?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Pencil_Art on May 01, 2015, 05:05:48 am

Quote from: DontBanTheMan on April 30, 2015, 08:43:01 pm

Note: I will still be taking character sheets.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: TCM on May 01, 2015, 06:43:23 am

I'll have a sheet up later today.

Since guns are less important in this game, what is the state/role of artillery in the army?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: theyamikami on May 01, 2015, 06:54:54 am

Name: Sael son of none
Stats: Physical: 120
Intellect: 130
Charisma: 70
Wisdom: 100
Skills: I leave these up to your discretion
Rank: Assassin first class for the Corps. of the Silent Eye
Appearance: If one were to attempt to describe Sael, they would spend some great time pondering: What does he look like? Are his eyes blue? Or maybe brown... His hair was definitely dark. Or was it? Eventually they would all come up with the same description. Sael was the most ordinary looking man they could imagine. He seemed to blend in with every crowd, disappear whenever searched for, and Vanish whenever forgotten.

Sael is appears to be an average height, average build man. His eye and hair color seems to change based upon the light, however were one to see him in a pure neutral light, they would be able to see that his eyes are a dark grey, and his hair was of a type rarely seen on the heads of humans. While in general men have hair solidly of one color or another, Sael's head is coated with dozens of shades of different colors, each different from the last. While you would think this was a distinguishing feature, it generally proves to be just the opposite, it allows him to appear different in most any type of light. Sael's chest, back, arms and legs are coated with dozens, perhaps even hundreds of scars he has acquired through training; this would set him apart were it not for the fact that he is an active member of the military. In addition, he also has the insignia for the Corps. of the Silent Eye (A single eye sown shut) over his left shoulder blade.

By manner of dress, Sael typically wears long pants of washed brown, and a long shirt of charcoal grey beneath a grayish black cloak. His attire changes for missions based upon what is required to blend in with those surrounding him.
Background: Sael was orphaned at a young age, by soldiers in the Malinar army. On the day they arrived, Sael was only eight years old, and was busy playing with his four year old sister when they broke through the door. The soldiers that came through the door were not the drunken messes that Sael was used to seeing stumble into his home, hoping to find his mother and her services (Yes, it's exactly what is sounds like); these men had the calm, cool efficiency of a well oiled machine. They kicked down the door, and began to search the house for his mother. When they found her, they tied Sael, Adolene (His sister), and their mother together in the center of the hut, and began to light the various corners of the house on fire. When the house began to collapse do to the flames licking the walls, the men calmly left the house. As the house burned around them, his mother frantically tore at the rope binding the three of them, she managed to loosen Sael's bonds to the point that he could slide out of them. "Quickly, save your sister" his mother wheezed, as the coughed through the smoke enveloping them. Sael tried to free his sister, he tried to release her, he really did. He failed. As he was working on Adolene's restraints, one of the houses bearings came tumbling down and crushed her arms, trapping her in place as well catching her clothes on fire. Sael watched on in horror as his own sister burned to death in front of him; unable to do anything, Sael just watched, and then when there was no more of her to watch, he crawled through the burning debris, and left that place forever in his past. Sael may have survived that fire, but a part of him did not; part of Sael died that day, the same part that once made him human.

Sael's old home had been just on the outskirts of town, and so it was not a long walk into the city of Fahrren. With half of him dead and the other half mad, Sael collapsed into a gutter, and one could say it took him years to crawl out of it. His families deaths were not the last deaths Sael would see in his youth. The city of Fahrren is not forgiving to any living on its streets, to children even less so. Over the years Sael saw many children starve or die in the streets, and if he had not learned to kill or if he had had a weaker stomach, he would have been one of them as well. He killed dozens of other street rats over the years, sometimes for clothes, sometimes for bread, or beef, or sometimes even for another, less palatable type of meat when the others ran scarce. Over the years Sael grew less and less human, and more... Something else. He no longer felt guilt for the others he killed, now he blamed their own weakness, after all, in this world of cruelty only the strongest were fit to survive. Sael likely would have died on the streets were it not for the fact that he now lived for a purpose; Unbowed? Sael thought to himself They will bow some day, and when they do I will be standing above them, swinging an ax down to sever their heads.

When Sael was twelve years old, he decided to enlist himself in the military. He would never be able to slay the royals if he couldn't even fight. When he enlisted, he was sent to the general training facility. He spent one year their Before he caught the eye of Mabuz Septis, the head of the Corps. of the Silent Eye. Mabuz was doing a general sweep for potential Acolytes of the Eye, when he stumbled upon Sael. It is not often that you see eyes as cold and dead as the ones Mabuz saw that day, and never before had he seen them on one so young, and frankly... Sane. Mabuz immediately took Sael under his wing.

Over the next three years Sael was trained in the secret arts taught by the Eye. He took to this training with more vigor than anyone Mabuz had ever seen, and had utterly mastered all techniques save one within a week of being shown. He continued to train until he was deemed ready to preform his first solo mission at the tender age of sixteen (Trainees usually are not issued solo missions until after five or more years of training). His first mission went off without  a hitch, the only issue anybody could take with Sael's performance was that Sael killed more than just his target, he killed everybody on the same floor as his targets living quarters; all eighteen of them. Sael was not given enough information to successfully complete his mission as originally intended (He was not told which room his target was in), and so Sael instead of leaving to regroup, slipped from one room to another, killing their occupants one by one. Over the next five years Sael completed numerous dangerous missions with absolute precision, until he was a legend within the Eye, and was finally promoted to assassin first class. Sael was given more than one title however, in addition to Assassin first class, Sael also became known by another, slightly darker name, Rhubaiyat The Demon.

While most others make friends as they advance through the ranks, this was not the same in Sael's case. Something about his presence set people slightly... Off... It was hard to spend a prolonged period of time with him without shivering, and even those who could do so resented Sael for his quick climb up the ladder. In eight short years Sael had climbed to the third highest rank within the Eye, second only to the Silent Counsel, and Mabuz himself.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 01, 2015, 10:58:05 am

We're in the year 600 so, assuming this world progressed just as we did IRL, I'd wager that the only thing the world has in the way of gunpowder weapons are really weak cannons that can't damage castle walls.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 02:25:36 pm

The level of technology is close to the Renaissance in our world; however, most nations do not use gunpowder or only use it in very limited amounts. Your nation is among them. Your nation uses light cannons, but they are rare and more for pounding enemy formations than destroying enemy fortifications. Stone walls are still in the forefront of wars. Yamikami: About to head out for a few hours, but I'll make your character when I return.

Lieutenant Gray:
You and your accomplices move to a reasonable distance from the storehouse, and peer at the storehouse guards through the driving snow. One of them is leaning on his spear, bored at the prospect of guard duty. The other is chewing on a chicken leg. Three of your men nod at you and drunkenly waltz over to the storehouse.

The guards quickly come to attention at the sight of figures in the snow, but relax when they see who is coming. One of them laughs, "You look completely wasted. How on earth did you get your hands on some alcohol?"

The man in front snickers, "Ain't that something for me to knows and you to...potentially find out?"

"Hmmm...this concept of finding out intri-" "Oh, cut it out Charley. We're not supposed to be drinking while on duty." The man with the drumstick interrupts.

"Oh, don't be such a stickler! Comon, I'll bring you to my stash. Drink it afterwards if you must. In exchange, all I want is a bit o' chicken. That ain't so much to ask, isit?"

Charley strokes his chin thoughtfully, tugging on his somewhat impressive mustache. "I suppose not...we soldiers have to look out for each other, no? Let's go Rodney, quit being such a woman."

Rodney's splutters, "B-b-bu-" "Let's go, Rodney. Drink awaits." The two guards follow your men to god knows where. One of your men raises seven fingers to you.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: TCM on May 01, 2015, 03:28:32 pm

Quote from: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 02:25:36 pm

The level of technology is close to the Renaissance in our world; however, most nations do not use gunpowder or only use it in very limited amounts. Your nation is among them. Your nation uses light cannons, but they are rare and more for pounding enemy formations than destroying enemy fortifications. Stone walls are still in the forefront of wars. Yamikami: About to head out for a few hours, but I'll make your character when I return.

I'll rescind my reservation yet for someone else, I thought I read that this was going to take place around Napoleonic times.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 01, 2015, 03:30:39 pm

After seeing the Lieutenant out of the keep proper Hussar backtracked. He returned to the colonel's chambers and let himself in, where he found the officer in uniform, still oiling his sword. He had already said good morning earlier so he simply helped himself to a seat on one of the hard wooden stools in his sparsely furnished room. They were always slightly informal in the company of one another but he kept his legs uncrossed regardless.

I sent Cornice's highlanders to take the walk again. King knows I wish I didn't have to rely on those boys as much as I do.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 01, 2015, 06:15:52 pm

(Yeah, last I remember the OP said it was Napoleonic? I might be wrong.)

That was ths signal. To the rest of his men clapped twice and raised three fingers into the air. Hopefully the distraction was long enough for them to sneak in and out.

Break into the storage and take food as fast as we can. Then haul ass towards the stash I planned earlier.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 06:38:44 pm

( Ya, my bad. Put Napoleonic but also with less dependance on firearms; what I truly meant was more of a Renaissancy type warfare, with a focus on heavily armored infantry and cavalry. Firearms and cannons certainly exist and in other parts of the world they may be more advanced, but there hasn't been much incentive to in your country due to the relative peace, the lack of much opposing firearms, and the low quantities of sulfur available. )

GUIN, you are currently in command of all national forces at the keep (so all troops except Maldwick's personal retinue). Your colonel may send you orders, but he isn't there in person.

Quote from: DontBanTheMan on April 30, 2015, 08:43:01 pm

Your company is alone at the keep; the rest of your battalion (along with your Colonel) is stationed to the northwest, nearly fifteen miles away in Blackstone Keep.

Lieutenant Gray:
You and your men work quickly, grabbing as much food as you can and getting the hell out of dodge. To your relief, no alarms and raised and none of Maldwick's men stop you as you transfer the goods to the stash. Before long, the food has been buried under a thin covering of snow. You managed to grab enough for quite a few decent meals.

Sael:
You are currently in a small stone room beneath Keystone Keep. It leads directly into the dungeons via sliding wall, while another entrance leads into the tunnel systems built for the Silent Eye when the castle was first constructed. It leads to nearly every room within the keep, providing you with the ability to move unseen throughout it. You arrived at the keep four days ago, with the task to await the arrival of the ambassador from Karrow; he is expected to arrive within the next two days. Once he has arrived, you are to frame him for Maldwick's murder.

Spoiler: Sael (click to show/hide)

Name: Sael son of none
Stats: Physical: 120 (0 XP)
Intellect: 130 (0 XP)
Charisma: 70 (0 XP)
Wisdom: 100 (0 XP)
Skills: Sneak 2, Dagger 1, Chemistry 1, Bluff 1, Sleight of Hand 1.
Traits: Emotionless.
Rank: Assassin first class for the Corps. of the Silent Eye

Spoiler: Pertelay Hussar (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 100 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 120 (0 XP)
Wisdom 105 (0 XP)
Skills: Polearms 2, Riding 1, Sword 1, [Melee 1], Leadership 1, Conversation 1.
Traits: Ambitious.
Rank: Commander, Heavy Foot Company (31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 200 Heavy Infantry [4 platoons], 20 Archers [2 squads].

Spoiler: Cannon Gray (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 130 (0 XP)
Intellect 75 (0 XP)
Charisma 110 (0 XP)
Wisdom 110 (0 XP)
Skills: Sword 2, Dodge 1, Command 1.
Traits: Cold.
Rank: Second Lieutenant, Heavy Foot Platoon (Heavy Foot Company, 31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 50 Heavy Infantry [4 squads].

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 01, 2015, 07:02:45 pm

Recall all my men back to our barracks. One group at a time.

When all his men gathered at the barracks, he himself burst in through the backdoor with a sack of real bread and rashers of bacon.

Mission successful, men! Today we feast! he said, tearing a loaf of bread.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 07:08:39 pm

All your troops are recalled to the barracks; the three men who drew off the guards report that they were yelled at, but there is no suspicion of missing rations. Your troops hold (well, compared to what they've been eating) a feast, and celebrate the successful mission. Morale and their respect of you rises; even the troops who were originally not so eager to participate have smiles on their faces. A good distraction for your men.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 01, 2015, 07:28:08 pm

Ohhhh, right. Here's my new action:

After seeing the Lieutenant out of the keep proper Hussar backtracked. He returned to the his chambers to finish donning his uniform, then had a seat on one of the hard wooden stools in his sparsely furnished room. He crossed his legs, taking up his sheath and laying it across his lap. He spent half an hour patiently oiling his blade.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 01, 2015, 10:23:58 pm

You oil your blade for about twenty minutes when your aide-de-camp enters the room and informs you that breakfast has been laid out in the dining hall. Maldwick will undoubtedly expect your presence.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 02, 2015, 02:28:45 am

((This whole food thing as a trend seems kind of strange to me since it's half past 9. I would have thought that everyone would have already eaten by now. Except for the royals and officers, their food could conceivably take more preparation, or just be served later because they don't have to do things like perform drills and guard the wall. Just me thinking out loud, I don't mind an excuse to meet the lord.))

Thank you Corporal. Now, come here and help me with this.

With the help of his aide and a mirror, Hussar made sure his uniform and mustaches were in order. He kept his sword on and belted it firmly, unless the lord normally frowned upon that, in which case he left it behind. Either way he made sure his reserve dagger was tucked away in his boot, then marched off to the dining room. He entered and removed his hat while allowing himself to be announced, if that was customary, meanwhile pausing briefly to note the hall's occupants. Then he approached his seat, acknowledging his equals with a nod, and bade the lord good morn before he sat down. Next he politely began to eat, savoring the meal and using this opportunity to listen to any conversation that might be going on.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 02, 2015, 03:11:53 am

(( Breakfast (and thus every other meal) tends to be served very late at Keyburn Keep due to Maldwick's tendencies to rise later in the day; he expects meals to be ready as soon as he rises (which tends to be around ten) and simultaneously expects everyone else to eat at the same time as him, which pushes meals further back in the day than they would normally be. With the soldiers, you're absolutely right; they probably would've eaten earlier. ))

Commander Hussar:
You set yourself in order, sword belted to your hip. The march to the dining hall is cold, with only the sound of your footsteps and your aide keeping you company. Having already eaten with Maldwick on several occasions, you know full well that he isn't particularly fond of formalities; as can be seen when you enter. He glances up briefly from his roasted pig before turning his gaze upon his meal once again. There are four guardsmen and a handful of servants attending the lords and officers at the dining table, who are made up of three lieutenants, Maldwick, his wife, and two faces you are not all too familiar with. You note the absence of the Captain of the Guard; Sir Faust, if your memory serves. A roaring fire crackles in a beautiful hearth; one of the few things worth admiring in this godforsaken castle. Making your way to your seat, you greet the head of the table before sitting down. "Good morning, Lord Maldwick." The only response you receive is another mouthful of pork being shoved into his gob.

A servant swiftly brings your plate, and you help yourself to the bountiful meal laid out before you. As you do so, your lieutenants bid you good morning. You respond politely, before beginning to dine. As well as eating, you listen in as two of the lieutenants discuss whose platoon is better disciplined, while the unfamiliar figures talk quietly; you pick up something about an ambassador. Maldwick chews loudly as his wife sits politely.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 02, 2015, 04:09:44 am

Listen closely to the conversation about the ambassador while eating normally.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 02, 2015, 04:19:13 am

You listen to the conversation (what you believe to be) nonchalantly whilst eating your meal, trying to make out any details. "-couple of days-" "-careful-" can be made out, but before you can really figure out exactly what they're discussing, Maldwick speaks up loudly, "So what do you think of the meal, err- Habber, was it? Better than that slop the government shovels down your throat?"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 02, 2015, 04:31:19 am

Hussar assumed he was deliberately trying to get under his skin by misremembering his name and decided to ignore it, even though he would take advantage of it to goad him at every opportunity. He forced a smile. The meal is well prepared, my lord! It doesn't compare to the chicken feed the magistrates deliver to the barrack.

He motioned towards the fat, steaming ham cut at the center of the table and then turned his gaze back to the grease-chinned lord before him.

Your own stock, yes..? I'm sure you pride yourself on keeping healthy animals here in the keep...

He made the remark with an even tone and an entirely straight face. He continued looking at the lord whilst chewing more of his food.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: theyamikami on May 02, 2015, 05:04:18 am

Horrid place this casle. Sael thought to himself. Why must these petty nobles always live in places so easy to kill them in? Honestly, I need a challenge. With missions like this I may never be ready to take my revenge.

Sael waits until the day of the diplomats arival, and makes sure to be one of the servants who first greets him (He dresses in the outfits worn by the servants, and, due to his particular appearance, he goes unnoticed. He makes sure to take note of the ambassadors weapons.

That night, while the ambassador is at dinner, Sael sneaks into his room and removes from his bags some sort of blade. Sael knows not what it is, it may be a letter opener, it may be a dagger; it makes no difference either way. The weapon bears Karrow's crest, and as such it will suit Sael's purposes quite nicely. Sael then sneaks back into the tunnels and awaits the noble's slumber.

Sael waits until late. All the men should now sleep, all men but Sael, if he could even truly be called a man anymore. Sael will now use the passageway to enter Maldwick's rooms. Should Maldwick still sleep, Sael shall cover his mouth and slit his throat in one motion. Sael will then cut out Maldwick's heart, and (using the weapon taken from the ambassador's room) pin it to the wall over Maldwick's lifeless corpse.
Should Maldwick still be awake, Sael will do his best not to  be seen. Sael will creep up from behind Maldwick, and slit the beasts throat. He will then cover Maldwick's mouth lest his screams be heard, and still cut out Maldwick's heart and pin it to the wall. In either case, Sael kills Maldwick's wife in the same manner, however he leaves her body unmutilated. His orders said nothing of her.

Sael will then leave the room and return to his stone room, and await further orders.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 02, 2015, 06:18:06 pm

Commander Hussar:
Maldwick either didn't notice your snide remark, or pretended not to. "Oh, not in the keep. We receive a regular supply of them from the surrounding villages. Not that the goddamn military is making it any easier..." he trails off, mumbling to himself. You're unsure whether he's even still aware that you were having a conversation. At this point, you think he may be more than a little off his rocker.


Sael:
You wait for the arrival of the ambassador; since you are unsure precisely when he will arrive, you try to stay disguised as a servant as often as possible (you will be brought up again if something of interest occurs. Feel free to respond prematurely to change/alter your action).

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 02, 2015, 07:20:38 pm

Hussar was a little relieved to see he was crazy, perhaps he wasn't as clever as he had given him credit for. He decided to address the officers at the table.

Where is the Captain this morning? He nearly always attends.

The Commander was sincere, he legitimately enjoyed the man's company.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 02, 2015, 09:26:16 pm

A couple of your officers admit that they don't know, when the third one recalls a discussion with him regarding an examination of the Castle's defenses. "I believe he said something about checking the defenses today, sir. As well as the men guarding it, of course."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 03, 2015, 05:12:50 pm

Finish eating, then excuse myself and go join the Captain with his inspection.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 03, 2015, 05:34:14 pm

You finish what's on your plate, and then excuse yourself from the table. Maldwick doesn't even acknowledge your departure, while the lieutenants nod curtly.

On the way to the wall, you pass a few of soldiers patrolling in the hall, but not much else stands out to you. Before long, you are out in the brisk cold, walking through the snow which has coated the ground. After a few minutes you reach the wall, where an imposing figure can be seen glowering at a cowering soldier. Moments later, yelling reaches your ears as he erupts, "YOU FELL ASLEEP BECAUSE YOU WERE TIRED, DAMMIT? AND WHERE THE HELL IS THAT USELESS SHIT WHO'S SUPPOSED TO BE UP HERE WITH YOU?"

You smile to yourself. Even after only a few days together, that man's earned your respect.

You walk up the stairs, while the Captain continues to bombard the hapless guardsman. You almost feel sorry for the poor schmuck. The Captain hits him in the groin with his scabbard, causing the soldier to keel over. "Get to bed if you're so damn tired." The soldier hesitates, but runs off as the Captain's face contorts into a furious snarl. He turns to you, a wide grin on his face. "Didja see that look on his face? PRICELESS!" He bellows, deep rumbling laughter emanating from his jovial face.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 03, 2015, 05:38:39 pm

Hussar laughs just as raucously and gives the man a crushing handshake. Missed you at breakfast! Lucky bastard. A very cute excuse this is, why didn't I think of it first? He smirks and walks with him as they converse.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 03, 2015, 05:42:02 pm

"Oh, Maldwick's not too bad once you get to know him. He's been through alot, y'know?" He shakes his head, "It kills me to see him like this. But it kills me even more to see what a sorry lot his men are. Can't do any goddamn thing right."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 03, 2015, 05:56:40 pm

I'd offer to have them drill with mine, but I'm afraid they might pick up some bad habits.. Hussar thought of the mustache incident and winced, a hand unconsciously drifting towards his upper lip.

He recovered. I've never heard you talk about the lord this way before, I wasn't aware you had a history. What was he like back then?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 03, 2015, 06:02:09 pm

"Oh, he was smart. He might be the smartest person I've ever met. Probably the only reason Keyburn didn't fall in the Great Western War. Part of why he got it; I think the High Command also did it to shove it in the nobles' faces. His ambition was probably also a cause for it; He was a threat to their cushy positions, so they threw him into the boonies and left him to rot." The Captain's eyes glaze over, as if he's looking at something unseen. He then shakes his head, and smiles, "Yet he's outlived all of em, the rotten bastards. Guess who got the last laugh!" He bursts into laughter.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 05, 2015, 01:20:30 am

Being turned out by your own countrymen can do things to a man. He decided to turn the conversation towards a different subject in order to avoid offending the captain further. I've been feeling a little detached lately; my old man wants to get me a job in the heartland and I've been writing a lot of letters these past few weeks trying to talk him out of convincing the generals to reassign me. Can you bring me up to speed on our situation? Last I heard things were still pretty quiet.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 05, 2015, 01:13:16 pm

( Note: if you want to continue asking specific questions, keep doing what you're doing. If you want to just converse normally, say so; the amount of details you roleplay or don't roleplay are up to you, to a point. )

"It wouldn't be very good tactics to warn the enemy of your arrival, would it? Not surprised the Heartland is shutting their eyes to any possible war." He shrugs. "I dunno, it feels...too peaceful. Usually there's at least a few skirmishes or border conflicts, but there's nothing. To me, that's an alarm going off that we're about to be invaded. But the Heartland is completely oblivious to 'alarms' or 'intuition'; all they believe in is cold, hard, truth. And there's none of that out here in the middle of nowhere."

He thinks, stroking his mustache. "Now that you mention it, though, an ambassador from Karrow is gonna be staying here for a night on his way to the Capital. Doesn't really change much, though; ambassadors are really just spies that everyone damn knows about. Heartland probably sees it as we're on good terms with Karrow now. I don't believe a word of it."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: theyamikami on May 25, 2015, 07:33:31 pm

So is this game over?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 25, 2015, 07:49:33 pm

Tell me about the state of the defenses. What is the disposition of our forces and their equipment?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 25, 2015, 08:28:16 pm

(( Mmm, sorry. Meant to fast forward, but I kinda just kept not doing it. ))

Commander Hussar:
You and the Captain discuss the defenses and troops for a few hours, going over the Keep and its retinue; as well as your own soldiers. The walls have decayed over the last few decades, but should be able to repel a few assaults. They wouldn't fare well against cannons, however. The retinue is made up of sixty-two soldiers, mostly professional (if corrupt) men. There are no firearms or cannons, with only a single stationary catapult stationed near the main gate. Two pots of boiling oil are positioned over the reinforced wooden doors that are the only entrance from the west. On the bright side, there are quite a few good positions for your archers to fire from. The bell rings as a sentry calls out, "Men spotted in the distance! It appears our special guest has arrived, sir."

Lieutenant Gray:
You spend the afternoon drilling your men, before attending the daily meeting with the other lieutenants. Morale is high after the successful food run.

Sael:
You're resting in your room when you hear the familiar sound of the bell; people are coming. Probably just merchants, it's a couple days before the emissary is set to arrive. Should probably check it out anyway, though.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 25, 2015, 10:10:13 pm

Special guest?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 25, 2015, 10:21:50 pm

The Captain turns to you, "An ambassador from Karrow. Being kept under the radar."
The gates open as the group moves closer; you can make out four figures. Meanwhile, the soldiers are a bustle of activity, getting into formation to greet the envoy.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 25, 2015, 11:26:19 pm

Shall we? Head down to greet them.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 26, 2015, 12:36:14 am

You and the Captain make your way down to the courtyard; on the way down the stairs, the Captain requests that you be the one to greet the emissary, "I'm afraid I'm not much of a people person myself, and Lord Maldwick is...occupied at the moment." You arrive at the courtyard, where his men have gathered into two parallel double lines, fifteen feet from each other and facing inward. The ends of the lines are the gate, and where you and the Captain are standing. After a few minutes in this position, the four figures previously spotted arrive at the gate and walk through the formation to the head. Two of them are leading horses laden with saddlebags.

The man in the front, dressed ornately in foreign dress, bows. "Petrov Ivanov, emissary of the Kingdom of Karrow at your service."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 26, 2015, 01:28:09 am

I bow in turn. Peterlay Hussar, Commander of the Heavy Foot of the 31st Infantry Battalion. I motion towards the captain. And this is the Captain of the Guard here at Keyburn Keep. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Some of the men can take your horses, if you don't mind.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Cheesecake on May 26, 2015, 04:20:48 am

"So, what's on the agenda?" Gray asked the others in the meeting.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on May 28, 2015, 04:43:29 pm

((Do you still take in players? If so, my sheet is in progress.
Apologize for double post.))

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on May 28, 2015, 05:15:30 pm

Name: Thomas Higgins
Stats:

Physical: 101 (31 pt)
Intellect: 110 (40pt)
Charisma: 122 (59pt)
Wisdom: 100 (30pt)

Skills: (To be assigned by GM)

Rank: Corporal, Dragoon Division Horner.
Appearance: A 6 feet tall man, short, dark hair, a small moustache, green eyes. Looks around 30.
Background: Corporal Thomas Higgins come from a mountainous region of the Malinar Knigdom, where he spent twenty years taking care of goats and sheep. His family and his people in general always had a knack for wind-instruments and the young shepherd soon followed the tradition of his peers. He volunteered for the Light Infantry Brigade and served in there for two years before receiving extensive training as a Horner. He spent four years in the Light Infantry Brigade as a Horner, and rose u pin the ranks to the rank of Corporal. He asked for a relegation to the Dragoon Division to be able to take an active part in combat, as he hasn't been in an open engagement yet. He is skilled with his horn, but he is not a bad shot with a musket either. He is able to ride a horse, but not overly well. He had only basic training with a sword or lance.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 29, 2015, 01:25:37 pm

(( Was waiting for theyamikami, but I suppose he's had more than enough time. ))

Commander Hussar:
Petrov raises a hand, smiling. "Thank you for such a gracious gesture, but that won't be necessary." Two of the men behind him begin leading the horses away, while the third figure stands at the ambassador's side. Upon closer inspection, she appears to be a woman; her eyes dart around, searching for signs of trouble, while her hand rests on the hilt of her sword. Petrov glances over to her, before returning to you, "I apologize for Irina's demeanor; she takes her job quite seriously." Though Petrov appears foreign in dress and appearance, you can't make out even a hint of an accent.


Lieutenant Gray:
Jon Barley, a diminutive shrimp of a man, shrugs, "Dunno. First Lieutenant Cornice is still out on patrol; he's usually the one who organizes these little meetings."
Lieutenant Butcher (no one is sure if he really even has a first name) shakes his head, "Jon, I'm not really sure that's the right attitude to have as an officer." He looks back to you, "Well, I heard a rumor was goin' around about your platoon gettin' some extra rations. Care to enlighten us, Cannon?"


Corporal Higgins:
The Long March...what many in the military have branded the road to the Red Hills in the west. It's only made worse by the thick layer of snow coating the ground, and the chilling wind assaulting any uncovered parts of your body. These flat, lifeless plains are normally miserable, but these poor conditions make it an absolute nightmare to travel through. A faint whistling sound can constantly be heard as a side effect of the wind, creating a high demand for you and your horn to drown out the miserable sound.  The only thing keeping morale up was the knowledge that a warm bed was waiting at the end of the journey, and the cheerful music played by the drummers and horners. You are currently riding at the middle of the column, along with the other members of your squad - sergeant Williams, another corporal, and seven privates. Your butt aches from the days of constant riding.

Spoiler: Sael (click to show/hide)

Name: Sael son of none
Stats: Physical: 120 (0 XP)
Intellect: 130 (0 XP)
Charisma: 70 (0 XP)
Wisdom: 100 (0 XP)
Skills: Sneak 2, Dagger 1, Chemistry 1, Bluff 1, Sleight of Hand 1.
Traits: Emotionless.
Rank: Assassin first class for the Corps. of the Silent Eye

Spoiler: Pertelay Hussar (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 100 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 120 (0 XP)
Wisdom 105 (0 XP)
Skills: Polearms 2, Riding 1, Sword 1, [Melee 1], Leadership 1, Conversation 1.
Traits: Ambitious.
Rank: Commander, Heavy Foot Company (31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 200 Heavy Infantry [4 platoons], 20 Archers [2 squads].

Spoiler: Cannon Gray (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 130 (0 XP)
Intellect 75 (0 XP)
Charisma 110 (0 XP)
Wisdom 110 (0 XP)
Skills: Sword 2, Dodge 1, Command 1.
Traits: Cold.
Rank: Second Lieutenant, Heavy Foot Platoon (Heavy Foot Company, 31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 50 Heavy Infantry [4 squads].

Spoiler: Thomas Higgins (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 101 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 122 (0 XP)
Wisdom 100 (0 XP)
Skills: Horn 3, Musket 1, Horse 1, Sword 1.
Traits: Untested.
Rank: Corporal, Dragoon Division Horner.
Units: 4 Dragoons [fireteam].

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on May 29, 2015, 02:12:43 pm

I position myself in a more comfortable position. Might as well, since we still got a ways to go. I check my water supplies and if I still have some to spare, I gulp down some and continue playing whatever was played at the time. If we aren't playing anything right now, I'd like to start horning one of my homeland's tunes.

Also, to what extent is the division consisting of other people of my nationality?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 29, 2015, 02:54:26 pm

You have plenty of water, so you take a few mouthfuls and begin playing a tune from your homeland. It is a happy melody, though the story is a bit...gruesome. It tells of the old days of the Jumangari, the mountain tribes which lived in the mountains. They rose up to fight the Malinar, but were brutally massacred by the bronze weapons brought against them. This song in particular weaves the story of Prascar the Invincible, who was brought down only after being filled with a hundred and one arrows, before finally being ended by the blow of his nemesis Kale.

Your division is made up of very few people from the mountains of your home; the Jumans (as they call themselves) are mostly assigned to guard the Great Divide in the north, where their villages are situated. It is treacherous area where the unskilled quickly perish, and it is unfit for horses.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 29, 2015, 06:01:50 pm

That's perfectly alright, I should expect no less! Lord Maldwick honored the Captain and I by allowing us to greet you. He's prepared to meet you in the keep, if you'd be so kind as to follow us.

If the Captain doesn't bring any of his own men, order two of my best privates to join us in escorting the ambassador to the keep. Walk, with my hands clasped politely behind my back, beside the ambassador if his body guard permits it.

Your Malinaran ((or whatever we call my language)) is exceptional, I must say.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on May 29, 2015, 06:45:13 pm

You and the Captain escort the ambassador and his bodyguard to the Keep, flanked by two of the Captain's men. You walk side by side with the ambassador, hands clasped behind your back.

"Why, thank you. Wouldn't be much of an ambassador if I couldn't speak your language as if it were my own, now, would I be?" He laughs gently. "I believe it is quite a beautiful language. When I first began to study foreign culture, yours struck a chord with me. It is somehow completely different from all other nations; perhaps due to your  isolated history."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on May 30, 2015, 02:39:36 am

Hussar enjoyed the compliment, but assumed that anything the man said had selfish motives behind it. Hum. I've never heard anyone refer to our language that way. But then, I haven't spoken to very many foreigners. Fought them, sure. If I might return the compliment, I have a great respect for the courage of your people. I won't coat it in honey, sir, I've personally killed many of your countrymen, but they were some of the most stubbornly courageous men I ever had the honor of fielding against. Tell me, were you a soldier? He watched the man's face carefully during this. He didn't expect to see his features betray anything, but studied them nonetheless.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 01, 2015, 03:44:28 pm

Tom was content that he still remembered the song. It was good to feel the roots to your motherland, and forgetting your home was worse than bad luck. It was a sign of not only a weak will, but also a broken spirit.
 Continue playing the saga, look around and check the reaction of my comrades.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 01, 2015, 05:14:00 pm

Commander Hussar:
"Why yes, I fought in the 2nd Legacy War fifteen years ago. Quite a miserable affair, that. It's just a shame we were on the wrong side; even at the time, I felt that Jacarth couldn't be trusted. Did you fight in the Legacy Wars, Commander? It's possible we've even fought on the same battlefield."
The man's features give nothing away. You reach back in your memory and recall the Legacy Wars, which took place primarily between Malinar and Jacarth. The second one involved multiple sides and lasted for four years before Jacarth's defeat and annexation.

Corporal Higgins:
You continue playing the story, and before long a drummer from the same region joins you in your song. By this point, most of the column is silent except for your playing - which conveniently drowns out the whistling wind. By the time you finish, everyone within earshot is listening intently to your music - and applause breaks out after a few moments' silence.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on June 01, 2015, 09:36:59 pm

That war got me to where I am today. I was already a man when it started. Those were the days.. That was a time when men had honor. I get the sense that things have changed since then. Am I wrong, ambassador?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 02, 2015, 10:51:38 am

"Aye. 'Ey, m'lads, where ye be hailin' from?" Corporal Higgins asked his team. He thought that socializing with the group and talking is surely going to raise his standing and help morale and at the very least it would disrupt the sound of the wind.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 02, 2015, 02:35:12 pm

Name: Eifron Torth
Stats: You have 160 points to spend on stats. Each stat will start at 70; to increase up to 110 costs 1 per stat gained; from 111 to 120 costs 1.5 per a stat; from 121 to 130 costs 2 per a stat, etc.
Skills:

Physical: 90
Intellect: 110
Charisma: 100
Wisdom: 110
(Yes, I realize I did not use all my points. Shoot me.)

Rank: Field Medic, Heavy Foot Company
Appearance: A boy of just sixteen years, and average size for his age. He has tousled brown hair, blue eyes, and attached earlobes. He is not remarkably strong, and nor is he remarkably smart. He typically wears a brown plant fiber apron above typical leather clothing. All in all, he's nothing too special.
Background: Born to parents of an unremarkable past, he spent his early years being raised by his mother as his father tilled the fields. At the age of seven, his father began taking him out onto the farm, where he expressed no particular talent for anything. At the age of eight, the farm was attacked by an unknown assailant who burned down a barn, and stole a silo's worth of grain, before butchering some cows and fleeing into the night. The boy then proved invaluable in tending to the injured and burnt animals. His work on that day, and the following night, kept several animals near-death alive. Later that year, his mother was killed when she was run over by an out-of-control horse cart, and his father became a drunkard, becoming more and more violent. Finally, at the age of twelve, the boy could take it no more, and left in the dead of night. As he tried to leave, a horse whose life he had saved trotted out after him, and followed him undetected for quite some days. Finally, when the boy rested to drink from a nearby well in a town, the horse cautiously approached him and nearly knocked him into the well. From then on, he and the horse traveled together. The boy managed to obtain medical equipment by way of petty thievery and set up a small business, moving from town to town and healing people for cheap prices. He had a remarkable memory despite his average intelligence, and was able to earn quite a bit of money healing this way. He did this for three more years. However, at the age of fifteen, he became homesick and wondered what had become of his father. When he returned to the farm, he saw that his father had married a new woman and had sired a new son. Distraught, he moved on, before coming to the capital city. He stayed there a few months in an inn and quietly celebrated his sixteenth birthday. As he sat in the bar one night, a group of soldiers came in carrying a wounded man and demanded the barkeep notify them of the nearest doctor. The boy spoke up, stating that he had medical experience, and was able to treat the guard for a broken leg. Asking how it had come about, it was revealed that the guard had, in a drunken stupor, simply walked off of a rampart, and had fallen. After this occurrence, he was taken to the captain of the guard's unit, where he was asked to become a field medic. With nothing else to do, the boy agreed.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 03, 2015, 12:26:28 am

Commander Hussar:
The ambassador shakes his head, "People have never had honor, Commander. And human nature never changes; the only thing that does is our perceptions."
You ponder on this for a moment, thinking of a response to this. However, within a few moments you arrive at the Keep. "Thank you, commander. It was a pleasure speaking with you."

You say goodbye to the ambassador and the Captain, who proceed into the Keep. Maybe you should check in with Cornice; his platoon should be back from patrol by now.


Corporal Higgins:
You socialize with your unit and a few of the other soldiers in the squad; the sergeant and one of the other corporals are in a heated discussion at the current moment. One of the privates, a short kid with tan skin, responds, "I'm from Norval, sir. In the south." The other privates follow suit; turns out most of them are from the Central Valley or the South. One is from the north, but not the mountains.


Private Torth:
Blood...everywhere. No amount of work on your part helped. The screams of dying men rings in your ears as you furiously work on sewing up the innards of one of them. No...not a dying man; a dying kid. You can see yourself in his eyes; well, eye. One of them has been gouged out of his head. This wound is complemented by a massive gash across his belly, and a stab wound in his shoulder. His one good eye is rolling around feverishly, as he screams at the top of his lungs - drowning out the clash of swords and yelling of fighting soldiers. "Stay with me!" you order the boy, but you're unsure if he even heard you. As you continue your work, you feel him react sharply to the painful work you're performing on him; until he stops struggling. You look up, and see that the life has fled from his eye...he's dead. It is at this point that you notice the fighting has stopped; and a cold object is being pushed into your back. You wince a bit, but it doesn't pierce your skin.

"Get up and put your hands in the air. The battle's over, filth."

Spoiler: Sael (click to show/hide)

Name: Sael son of none
Stats: Physical: 120 (0 XP)
Intellect: 130 (0 XP)
Charisma: 70 (0 XP)
Wisdom: 100 (0 XP)
Skills: Sneak 2, Dagger 1, Chemistry 1, Bluff 1, Sleight of Hand 1.
Traits: Emotionless.
Rank: Assassin first class for the Corps. of the Silent Eye

Spoiler: Pertelay Hussar (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 100 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 120 (2 XP)
Wisdom 105 (0 XP)
Skills: Polearms 2, Riding 1, Sword 1, [Melee 1], Leadership 1, Conversation 1.
Traits: Ambitious.
Rank: Commander, Heavy Foot Company (31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 200 Heavy Infantry [4 platoons], 20 Archers [2 squads].

Spoiler: Cannon Gray (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 130 (0 XP)
Intellect 75 (1 XP)
Charisma 110 (1 XP)
Wisdom 110 (0 XP)
Skills: Sword 2, Dodge 1, Command 1.
Traits: Cold.
Rank: Second Lieutenant, Heavy Foot Platoon (Heavy Foot Company, 31st Infantry Battalion).
Units: 50 Heavy Infantry [4 squads].

Spoiler: Thomas Higgins (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 101 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 122 (1 XP)
Wisdom 100 (0 XP)
Skills: Horn 3, Musket 1, Horse 1, Sword 1.
Traits: Untested.
Rank: Corporal, Dragoon Division Horner.
Units: 4 Dragoons [fireteam].

Spoiler: Eifron Torth (click to show/hide)

Stats:
Physical 90 (0 XP)
Intellect 110 (0 XP)
Charisma 100 (0 XP)
Wisdom 110 (0 XP)
Skills: Medic 2, Surgery 2, Knowledge (Medicine) 1, Business 1.
Traits: Average.
Rank: Field Medic, Heavy Foot Company.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 03, 2015, 05:21:07 am

Put my hands on my head and stand up slowly and shakily.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 03, 2015, 07:55:20 am

The kid looked simpathetic enough, and there wasn't much to do anyway. A small chat couldn't have hurt anyone, could it?
"Norvos, aye? Never been there... what was yer name again?" After making some small-talk, the horner turned to the Sergeant and listened to his conversation for a bit.

Play tunes for the guys from Central Valley and another one to the people from Norvos. Preferably something that originates from their homeland.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on June 03, 2015, 11:48:57 pm

Go get a report from Cornice.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 04, 2015, 12:43:26 am

Commander Hussar:
You tread through the snow, making your steady way to the lieutenants' quarters. It begins to snow lightly, and a dusting of powder has covered you by the time you arrive at your destination (You'll have to wait for Cheesecake's conversation to progress a bit. If he doesn't post within a day or two, I'll automate it and make your entrance).


Corporal Higgins:
"Trin, sir. Trin Cobbler." Through further conversation, you acquire the other privates' names; Robert Halson and Orvil Gaust. You make some small talk with your men, before turning to the Sergeant and listening in on his conversation. "-ear me? That bastard Jorruck isn't about to keep his vets in reserve while we do all the heavy liftin' for him. You know how many goddamn recruits are in this battalion? Too many, that's how many." "But sir, he outra-" "I don't want to fuckin' HEAR IT. My responsibility lies with my men, Jared. Now go tell Hodgins that I'm not sending my squad into the Vanguard. Move it!" The corporal rides off to the front of the column, while the sergeant leans forward in his saddle angrily. Deeming now a bad time to make conversation with him, you take out your horn and play another tune.

"This one goes out to those of you from Norvos." You only know one tune from the region, and none from the Central Valley. Hell, you were surprised you even recalled this one. It's about a baker who kidnaps naughty children and turns them into bread; the infamous Papa Murphy. You're...pretty sure it's just a legend though. Probably.


Private Torth:
Your whole body is shaking like a leaf as you stand up, raising your hands slowly into the air. The pressure on your back disappears, before your hands are roughly tied behind your back with some rope. You start to struggle a bit, but realize it's futile when a pike is jammed in front of your face. Looking around urgently for any sign of an ally, you see only the red and gold uniform of the enemy; that are standing, anyway. That's when you see it...your commanding officer. His head, anyway - jammed on top of a pike and thrust into the air. Your heart beats frantically as your thoughts turn to what will become of you. You doubt they have anything good planned for you.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 04, 2015, 05:08:02 am

Thomas plays the tune with significantly less enthusiasm than before he heard the sergeant mentioon the Vanguard. He knew that sending a force of untrained cavalry at well prepared pikemen was more than equal to death.
Maybe I should warn them of what will be our fate? I don't know much about them except their names, so I don't know can I trust them.
"Cobbler, Gaust and Halson, come 'ere. You ever were in a battle? Before we go in, we gotta make some names for you, lads, aye? Even something simple, just to identify ourselves out there. Got any ideas? Gaust, how about... Gauss? Robert "Harsh" Halson and Cobble. Perfect, ain't it? Well, I got something to tell ya, but that's for a bit later.
I try to learn more about their personalities while doing some small talk. Are they trustworthy? What would they do with this information?

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 04, 2015, 01:54:18 pm

"I-I-I'm just a medic! I'm a p-pacifist and all! I haven't h-hurt any of you! Please, l-l-l-let me go! I only want to s-save lives!"

Plead with my captors to be released, or at least spared from death. If I fail, then simply go along with whatever plans they have right now.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 04, 2015, 11:49:29 pm

Corporal Higgins:
Cobble seems to be an eager young kid; short, tan skin, brown hair. He keeps talking about finally being able to defend the Unbowed and the independence of the Empire; you don't look forward to the day when he meets the reality of war. Though he seems to be a trustworthy kid, you're unsure where his true loyalties would lie in a pinch: probably the highest up on the command ladder.

Harsh is in older; mid-twenties. However, he still has yet to taste of battle. Not too eager about it, though; might've been pressured into signing up with the military or something. Anyway, you can't really get a good read on him; he doesn't talk much, and when he does talk it's in response to a question. Doubt it's anything sinister, but you make a mental note to keep an eye on him.

Gauss is the only one of the three who's seen combat; still, a single battle doesn't really count for much in the grand scheme of things. He's in his early twenties, with ragged black hair and a few teeth missing. Not a very pretty guy, but he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. He seems to be loyal, but you're once again unsure where his loyalties lie.


You're in the middle of conversing with your men when the column stops; it appears camp is being set up for the night. Sarge turns in his saddle and announces to the men, "Listen up, we got one more day to go til we reach Keyburn. I want you boys to be ready for anything when we get there, alright?" You're unsure what exactly he's trying to get at, but decide to forget about it. No sense worrying yourself silly over some offhand comment.


Private Torth:
The man with the pike starts laughing heartily at your stammering, "You hear that boys? A pacifist. Whatever were we thinkin'?" Laughter emnates from around you; must be atleast ten people gathered around you at this point. The man with the pike stands right in front of you, towering above, "Alright boy, I tell you what. Y'see, Matt-" he gestures at a black haired man supporting another soldier, "-Matt there found himself a survivor. We can't have none of our enemies surviving, of course. I'll let ya do the honors, so-called pa-ci-fist, and prooooove yourself that yer on our side. And of course then we'd HAVE to let ya go." A knife is shoved into your hand, and the man Matt was supporting is forced onto his knees. It's at this point that you recognize him as your platoon leader...First Lieutenant Cornice.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: theyamikami on June 05, 2015, 11:57:36 am

Dressed as a servant, I make sure to be in the reception party for the ambassador. I keep a knife and a poisoned needle on my person.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 05, 2015, 01:54:23 pm

As the meaning of his captor's words sunk in, he looked at the knife. He felt a tingly feeling, and soon after promptly passed out, slumping to the ground.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 05, 2015, 07:41:34 pm

( I need a post from Cheesecake within the next day. His, Saber's, and Coolrune's arcs are currently active; yami's and guin's are waiting until events catch up. )

Sael:
Dressed as a servant, you head upstairs to check to see who the visitor is. To your mild surprise, the ambassador has arrived; two days earlier than expected. Equipped with a knife and poisoned needle, you start blending into the servants, making certain that you'll be included in the party for the ambassador's arrival. Should be a few hours until dinner, though.


Private Torth:
The next thing you know, you're shaken awake by a sharp bump. Despite looking around frantically, you can't make anything out; a blindfold is wrapped around your eyes snugly. It's apparent that you're on a wagon of some sort, but you have no clue where you're going or why.

You must've instinctively lashed out when you woke up, because you can hear someone else stirring in the wagon.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 05, 2015, 08:01:53 pm

"W-w-w-where am I? Where are we going?"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 05, 2015, 10:46:35 pm

Private Torth:
"No idea. I figure we're either headed back to their homeland, or they're launching an attack on Keyburn. Either way, it doesn't look good." You begin to breath heavily, afraid of wherever and whatever these men are taking you. You feel a hand on your shoulder, "Calm down...we might be able to get out of this alive." he whispers, "I think we're in the rear; if we could get loose, we might be able to get word back to the Commander."

You nod, swallow heavily, and try to keep your nerves in check. "Listen, if you see a chance to get away you take it. Don't think about anything other than getting word to Hussar. You hear me?"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 06, 2015, 05:06:09 am

"I'm not leaving without you. You are coming with me."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 06, 2015, 05:38:03 am

Thomas decided to tell Gauss what's up."Hey, Gauss! Mind if you come 'ere for a second?" The corporal pulled his subordinate to the side for a second. "Well, ya see... We're probably going to be the Vanguard in this battle. Could you do me a favor and deliver those news to Cobble and Harsh later as rumors?"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 14, 2015, 03:08:03 am

(( I've been busy with graduation and classes; expect more frequent updates from now on. ))

Private Torth:
The other man sighs, "Should've expected such a reaction after what happened earlier." he pauses, leaving you in silence for a minute or two.

"So what's your name, son?"


Corporal Higgins:
Gauss doesn't really seem all that surprised at the news, and nods, "Can do, Corporal. So the Veterans have decided to sit in the rear and let us do all the heavy lifting? Surprise, surprise."


Commander Hussar:
You knock on the door of the officer's quarters, and after a few moments it swings inward. Your eyes meet Lieutenant Butcher's huge, grinning face as he motions you inside, "Welcome, Commander! What brings you to this neck of the woods?" Glancing around the room, you notice Lieutenant Barley and Lieutenant Gray are also present. You don't see any sign of your First Lieutenant, however.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 14, 2015, 09:01:44 am

Higgins looked more miserable than ever, the thought of being the first to charge prepared, veteran enemy divisions with a band of dirt covered rookies not giving him a second of rest. "Fuck 'em. We'll manage."
If I have an occasion to have any shut-eye, I take it.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 14, 2015, 10:31:03 am

"Torth. Eifron Torth. Now let's get off this cart."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on June 14, 2015, 04:18:20 pm

Hussar glanced at his pocket watch. Where's Cornice? He said to no one in particular.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 19, 2015, 02:01:19 pm

( Probably not a LOT of updates today; I have plans. However, expect updates tomorrow and Sunday. )

Private Torth:
"Easier said than done."

The two of you wait in the cart for what seems like hours; through careful manipulation, you and your fellow soldier manage to push your blindfolds further up your head, uncovering your eyes and allowing the two of you to survey your surroundings. A guard marches ahead and to the side of you, but it appears there is nobody behind you. Upon further inspection of the cart and your restraints, it appears that your feet are tied to a pole jutting out of the middle of it. Both your hands and feet are bound.

Throughout the journey, you can make out snippets of conversation, "Ambassador...kill them and...seize the Hills." Soldiers singing can also be heard; they appear to be singing Karrow's national anthem, as far as you can tell.

Cornice nudges you with his foot and whispers, "I think we can probably get out of these restraints if we're quiet...atleast the foot bindings. We gotta get out of here before we arrive at who-knows-where." Speaking of which, it was starting to get dark; if the group were to stop, it would probably be soon...


Corporal Higgins:
You sleep soundly throughout the night; the valley's faint whistling noise being drowned out by one of the other horners. You awake in the morning, feeling refreshed though still shaken from the knowledge that you'll be in the vanguard.  After a quick breakfast, the column gets moving again. "Next stop, Keyburn. Marching formation, men!" shouts the commander. A hearty cheer goes up from the ranks.


Commander Hussar:
Butcher shrugs, "He hasn't arrived back from patrol yet, sir. Not to say that's particularly surprising; the snow must have made it difficult for his unit to stay on track."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 20, 2015, 09:32:08 am

"I think we can do this quickly if we do it right...  push your legs as far apart as you can, stretch 'em out, and face me. I'll see if I can just kick through them."

Get his food bindings off first, then have him focus on mine.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on June 20, 2015, 02:31:48 pm

And now we wait. I really hope the battle is not today. I really hope the battle is not today...

Follow the column. At least try to encourage the men around me with a good horning.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 21, 2015, 05:01:50 pm

Private Torth:
Despite significant effort, you do not manage to kick off his restraints. The material used to bind it is just too tough, and you can't put enough force behind your kicks to break it. Fortunately, none of the guards notice your attempts to free each other. Before long, night has fallen - and the unit keeps moving. It appears that they will not be stopping for the night. "Dammit, this isn't working. Turn around, might be able to get your hand restraints undone."


Corporal Higgins:
You continue to march with the column, encouraging the men with your cheery tunes. The company was only a few hours from Keyburn; hopefully there wasn't an enemy force occupying it when you got there (arc paused; wait for the others to catch up).

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 21, 2015, 05:25:35 pm

Obey my commander. Try to struggle as quietly as possible to help loosen them as well.


((Bondage simulator 2015. Ewww...))

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on June 22, 2015, 02:35:54 am

Get everyone who isn't on guard back to the barrack. Gray, prepare another patrol in case I feel it's necessary to go searching for him. And no more of the swill until Cornice is back, alright?

Head up to the wall and see what the watchmen have to say.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 22, 2015, 06:49:00 pm

Private Torth:
After quite a bit of work, Cornice manages to get your hand restraints undone without drawing any attention. With your hands free, you easily manage to untie the rest of the restraints - you're about to jump out of the cart when Cornice stops you. "There might be sentries watching the surrounding area...we should be careful. We'll either need a distraction or somewhere to hide while the caravan passes."


Commander Hussar:
Lieutenant Gray nods, "Alright, Commander." He and the other lieutenants return to their respective barracks, while you head up to the wall. The watchman you run into there was half-asleep, but comes to attention when he sees you, "Nothing to report. Only the driving wind and snow."

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Coolrune206 on June 22, 2015, 07:19:17 pm

Look around the cart. Try to find anything that can be used to make a distraction, like explosives, ammunition, or weapons.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on June 22, 2015, 07:23:25 pm

The cart is empty aside from you, the Lieutenant, and some supplies. The supplies are made up of food, rope, and some canvas.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on June 22, 2015, 10:27:24 pm

Slap him. As if you could've seen a thing while you were resting your delicate eyes, you dozy prat!! If I don't know his name and immediate superior, ask for it. You're relieved. I'll send someone up to take your next shift. You'll tell the man over you what you're guilty of, or I'll flay the skin from your back with my own two hands, and I won't need the lash to do it. Is that understood?

Move on to the next man, and if he's sleeping I strike him across the back of his head to wake him up.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on July 01, 2015, 12:25:44 am

( Apologies for the delay. I have no excuse. )

Commander Hussar:
The man recoils from the slap, and lowers his head shamefully. "Errr, C-Captain Faust, sir." You deliver a scorching order, which he swiftly obeys (despite him not even being your man).

The next man is at attention when you turn the corner; you're unsure if this is because he was doing his duty properly, or he heard the conversation with the last guard.


Private Torth:
(Already said, unsure if you saw it): The cart is empty aside from you, the Lieutenant, and some supplies. The supplies are made up of food, rope, and some canvas.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on July 01, 2015, 05:21:03 am

Ask the man if he's seen any evidence of my patrol. If not, head back down to the barrack and find Lt. Gray.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on July 01, 2015, 03:11:32 pm

The man shakes his head, "No sign of the patrol." he seems to be on edge for some reason; you smile inwardly.

You tread back through the snow to Lieutenant Gray's Barracks, where he's sat down to eat with his troops. He looks up when you enter, and salutes.

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: Parsely on July 01, 2015, 04:15:32 pm

What the fuck is this? I told you to put together a patrol and you've sat down to eat?! Get your fur coat, get your men and get out of my sight!! And don't come back until you've found those boys! What the hell is going on today? Has the entire company gone mad? BUTCHER! Get someone to get Butcher in here. Where the fuck are you!

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: DontBanTheMan on July 01, 2015, 04:41:27 pm

(( Oh shit, I'd totally forgotten about that >.< Oh well, guess he was eating before heading out on patrol. ))

Gray tries to defend himself, but you aren't having any of it. He and his platoon hastily head out, half-prepared and hungry; but atleast they're out the door.

One of Gray's men goes to get Butcher, who arrives promptly. "What do you need, Commander?"

Title: Re: Service to the Unbowed [Taking Players]
Post by: SaberToothTiger on July 15, 2015, 12:46:20 pm

Bamp.