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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 10, 2023 23:47:11 GMT -5
There was nothing Leandros had wanted less than another escort job given how the last one went, but it was easy coin and he did feel as if he needed to slow down a bit. The dance in the desert wasn't exactly something he should have rushed in to.
At least here he didn't see the same ornery dwarf that had been so demanding the last time. This time he stood aboard the deck of a large trading ship. Some much needed lumber from Moonglade was coming. There was a bit of a personal touch to this for the knight, the shaft of his halberd being made from some of this wood they were transporting. He ran a hand against some of the grain, curious what these different trees would eventually become.
Leandros stands at the bow of the ship, overlooking the bay with a soft and placcid grin. There was always something special about the ride into Capitol Landing for him. It was a recent experience having just started to travel, but seeing Sol City from the outside was something he had never seen before. It seemed like the perfect city from the outside. You could almost forget about the problems inside.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 11, 2023 2:27:16 GMT -5
In her travels Cirice has found herself in a near-constant state of needing money. Perhaps it's because traveling is expensive, or her love of buying new clothes and trinkets, or perhaps it is all the property damage she’s managed to cause since she came into Sol City. Some combination of the three had left her solar-less and in need of a job to afford her food and lodging. Luckily there is always work for an adventurer, especially one magically inclined. It wasn’t hard for her to find a job escorting a shipment of goods that were set to arrive in Sol City from Moonglade. She’s unsure why lumber needs an armed escort, but the pay was good and that was enough for her.
As the ship pulls into the harbor she hops to her feet, bouncing on her heels as she awaits the other adventurer they’d mentioned was hired for this job. Maybe one of her friends was here and they could work together! Whoever it was she hoped they’d be nice. If not a friend now, then a future friend for sure!
Arestar flutters over and she writes a quick note, slipping it into the pouch on his leg and sending the nightjar away to deliver her message1. All thats left to do is wait for the ship to finish docking and unloading and then they can get moving. 1 Trained Bird
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 11, 2023 10:39:07 GMT -5
Leandros spotted Cirice across the ship as everyone was loading up. It was always easy to spot the other adventurers when traveling he had come to learn. There was a different way they carried themselves and more often than not the armor or weapons was a pretty dead give away. He strides down the ship to greet the moon elf.
"Well met, you must be the other adventurer hired to watch over these goods," he smiles and offers a hand, "Leandros Aurthurian of Capitol Landing."
The knight pauses a moment to give Cirice a chance to respond before putting his hands on his hips, "Shouldn't be too difficult of a job we hope, apparently the rumors of some monster attacking trading caravans lately, but I've not heard of much around here, so the hope is that it's all rumors."
He steps out of the way as crews start to unload the ship onto the caravans they were to lead to Sol City. Apparently they were taking the long way around to try and avoid said monsters that had been plaguing the main route. For the moment the two just had to wait until everything was set before they could head out and take care of the job. Should only be a few hours walk for a decent wage. Easy stuff.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 12, 2023 17:58:43 GMT -5
Cirice looks up at the tall, handsome human man and smiles, offering her own hand to shake “Cirice Lunestre of Shingetsu in the Crescent Isles. Nice to meet you!”
“A monster, huh? Any idea what kind? I’m not the best at fighting but I’m really good at healing and handling difficult situations. If there are any people who try and steal from us though I can stop them without needing to resort to violence theoretically!”
She steps aside with Leandros and watches the unloading with him. “I can bring my wagon too and we can make this caravan super safe! I went ahead and let the man who hired me know that the ship just arrived and that we’ll be heading out soon.”
Once the wagons are all sorted into wagons and her bird returns Cirice calls over her spectral reindeer pulling her double-decker wagon. “Would you like to ride with me? Hitia and I can carry you as well!”
As they start heading away from the city she looks back at the building growing small behind them. Sol City was an interesting place. She’d made quite a mess there, but also managed to make some new friends as well. Perhaps with a little time and distance she could return and do more good, once the dust has settled.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 12, 2023 19:15:32 GMT -5
"I would hope that violence is not needed either." He chuckles softly, finding the earnestness with which Cirice offers that suggestion endearing. Leandros knew full well many people looked at him oddly when he made it known he prefered avoiding fights, but it was nice to find when others shared the same heart.
"From the reports, it's been mostly goblins it seems....Makes sense, they tend to be opportunistic. Though be on your guard, they are often much more intelligent than people give them credit for." Leandros gives the spectral reindeer a curious look, seems this woman was full of surprises.
As they speak his own horse is led from the boat and the reins handed over to him. "As lovely as your steed is, Byrr can be jealous." He gives a deep laugh, patting the horse's neck before climbing on to take his spot in the saddle. "We should be all set to head off though, keep an eye out for trouble and let's hope this is just a pleasant afternoon ride."
The reins are given a soft snap and Byrr starts a slow walk beside the caravan. Thankfully no strange ne'er-do-wells joining at the last moment as there was in the desert.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 16, 2023 22:15:13 GMT -5
“Byrr? That is a cute name for a pretty horse.” She says as they ride out. Goblins, she doesn’t know much about goblins, but she’s pretty sure they’re sentient creatures capable of speaking. Why would they attack caravans rather than buy or barter? They must be in dire straights if they have to resort to such things. If they do come across some maybe they can try to help them, if they aren’t out to murder the caravan straight away.
The heavy laden wagons do not make quick progress along the road and its maddeningly slow going. Cirice turns to Leandros, “This is going to be quite monotonous a journey if we don’t keep ourselves entertained. Tell me about yourself? What made you take this job?”
She was curious about him, he looked quite regal astride his horse and carried himself with a powerful and commanding air of someone used to being in control. His smile is kind and his movements and etiquette told of good breeding, what is a man so clearly well to do out escorting a lowly supply caravan. It intrigued her to no end, and besides there wasn't any danger so far, a little conversation would make the time pass quickly.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 16, 2023 23:05:59 GMT -5
"An old word in giant-speak, means a fair wind, fitting for how fast he can be." He gives a little smile and laugh, patting the horses neck.
Honestly, Leandros doesn't mind the quiet peace of a nice ride. It gives him time to rest and just exercise Byrr in a less stressful manner than adventuring. The knight relaxes in the saddle, dropping the reins as he pulls out a waterskin to take a pull, before resting his hands on the horn of the saddle.
"Myself? I'm afraid I only look interesting." Another small laugh for such a large man. "I was born in this land...Unfortunately we won't pass by my home otherwise you would see the stable of horses we raise like Byrr here. Aurthurian warhorses can go for quite a bit on the open market, it's how our family made its money...but wealth aside, that does not mean I am above simple jobs. Goblins or no, people enjoy the safety of having adventurers near by. It's only right that if I am of sound mind and body, that I do my service to the people and assist them whever I can."
Leandros gives a gentle smile as he looks over to Cirice, "But that's a long winded speech about myself. You seem much more well-traveled, I'm sure you have a handful more stories than I."
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 18, 2023 1:57:41 GMT -5
“Giant-speak? I’ve never heard much of the language of giants? Where does one learn that?” Cirice asks, mystified. “So you’re rich, well-connected, well-educated, well-bred and humble? You’re quite the interesting man.” She teases playfully.
“I’m not that well-connected. I’ve just been adventuring a little while, just wandering around wherever Mother Moon leads me. I also like helping people and spreading Her name and faith.” She motions to the moon on her forehead. “Like I said I’m from the Crescent Isles, but I’ve traveled most places at this point. Done some exploring into the depths and the dark. I’ve seen some great and terrible things. But my favorite things I’ve seen are people when they’re doing their best for others. Doing good for the sake of others is the most wonderful thing I think a person can do.” She gives him a bright smile.
“Oh. Do you know Veliky? She lives here in Sol City. She owns Platinum Corp and the Blixt Cafe. She and Yoci are the only other people I know here in the City. I haven’t spent much time in Capitol Landing at all, I’m not much of a city girl. I’m much more suited to small towns and beaches.”
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 18, 2023 13:24:18 GMT -5
"See? I've only read about some of the things you say you've done. Dungeon delving and traveling Charon is what I've heard real adventurers call a slow day." He laughs softly. "I learned a few bits of giant growing up, but I am far from fluent. My wife is far and above the well-educated one. I am just the nice thing to look at." Another gentle laugh from the large man.
He does look to the moon with a curious expression. "I don't believe I have heard of Mother Moon, is she a deity of the Crescent Isles?"
As Cirice explains, Leandros doesn't seem judgemental or off put. He is genuinely curious about this, an earnest attempt to learn more about someone. Unless a person comes out saying they enjoy hurting people and wish to continue to bring harm, Leandros is excited at any chance to learn about a person.
He gives a pause and thoughtful look as he tries to think if he knows the people mentioned. After a beat or two, he shakes his head, "I don't believe I know them."
During the conversation, the caravan comes to a stop as one of the wheels crashes into a hidden pothole, shattering into pieces. There is loud shouting and whinnying of horses.
"Let them handle the cart....Keep your eyes open, that was likely a goblin trap." The soft expression of his face hardens as there is now danger afoot.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 18, 2023 19:18:31 GMT -5
“Mother Moon is Lunala, silly!” Cirice giggles, “She cares for all of Charon, as her cleric it’s my duty to spread her faith!”
“Well yes I suppose when you’ve fought a god that is all rather small potatoes, but so much has been scary. You’re married, thats cool? Where’s your wife-oof!” She exclaims mid-question as the carts come to an abrupt stop. “A goblin trap?” She looks around, eyes wide.
A couple of the merchants get out to replace the shattered wheel, anxiously rushing to try to get the caravan moving again. Off to the side of the road theres movement, and suddenly a spear is jutting out of the side of the wagon, barely missing one of the men. A warcry sounds from either side of the road as a band of goblins, spears drawn comes rushing out of the tall grasses.
“AN AMBUSH!” Cries one of the wagoneers, “WHAT ARE WE PAYIN YOU ADVENTURERS FOR? KILL EM!”
A wall of violet light manifests around the men fixing the wheel1. “I’ll cover you! Work on fixing the wheel!”
She hops out of the wagon and stands in front of the Wall. "Leandros stay back!" She warns as a wave of purple energy explodes out from her 20 feet in all directions. All the weapons the goblins nearest her had disappear with a popping sound2. 1 Wall of Light 2 Disarming Aura
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 18, 2023 20:55:34 GMT -5
"Clever try coming from both sides." A hard snap of the reins sends Byrr into motion as the knight pulls them to turn hard to the left.
Heavy hoof falls carry Leandros towards the goblins as he takes out his halberd. The horse barrels through the crowd of goblins as Leandros swings out cutting one down. Goblin cries start to fill the air as they make their anger known that this ambush wouldn't be so easily one.
On his side of the caravan, the goblins start to disperse. Having no weapons and being barreled over by a knight, they are not so dumb as to fight a useless fight. They may be scavengers, but they are clever enough to know when a plan has failed.
"Are you safe over there?" Leandros calls over the caravan to Cirice, she was capable, but he worried the goblins might attempt overtaking her. One lone woman would seem easier than an armored man on a horse. Though with the spells and abilities she had, and the swift action under pressure, Leandros had a feeling she might be one of those who is far, far more dangerous than said armored man on a horse.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 18, 2023 22:37:08 GMT -5
“Yeah I’m fine!” Cirice calls back to him. A pair of goblins have decided to push their luck despite being without their weapons, deciding to tear and claw at her if they must. She reaches out and grabs both of them by the shoulder, the runes beneath her gloves glowing with violet light1. “Hey little fellas, you don’t want to do this.” The glow spreads up their shoulders and into their eyes and both goblins fall still. “Now then, that’s better. Why don’t you tell us why you’re attacking these nice people?”
The goblin on her left blinks a few times, as if in a drunken stupor, and says something in a language she doesn’t recognize.
“Oh um Leandros… Can you speak goblin?”
The other goblin plops down onto his butt in the dirt, looking dazed and happy. “He says we’s tryin to get food and stuff to rebuild. Our village got burnt down and we’s got nowheres ta go now.”
Cirice’s brow furrows with worry. “That doesn’t mean you should resort to hurting people… Who burned down your village and why?”
“Dunno,” Says the goblin, picking his nose, “big people. THey came in, didn’t say nothing and started torchin the place. Killed a bunch of us. Sos we got a little revenge, y’know?” 1 Be Jolly
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 19, 2023 0:04:44 GMT -5
Leandros brings Byrr around to the other side, climbing down off the horse his armor thudding as he hits the ground. He then firmly plants his halberd in the ground, another loud noise to startle and intimidate the goblins. It's not necessarily needed he realizes, but best to go a little overboard to keep the peace sometimes.
"I do not, but..." Before he can make a suggestion the other speaks up. So it was revenge....of course.
"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind....We are sorry this happened to your people, but this does nothing to help them." Leandros does soften hearing about this. It wasn't a surprise to hear. Many young adventurers in Capitol Landing liked to prove themselves chasing off goblins, other people were just jerks who liked to be mean. No matter the motivation, goblins were easy targets.
The goblin looks a little surprised to hear someone referring to them as people, monster was much more common. If he wasn't confused before, he was now.
"Do you remember anything about who did this?"
"Dunno, big people."
Leandros sighs and looks to Cirice, "Well...that's helpful. I know common wisdom says to eliminate them but...what do you say to having them arrested? I can petition the magistrate to send them to a mine or something similar....it won't be easy work, but it will house them, put them to use, and feed them. They have committed crimes against the kingdom, but it's not like they've murdered people. Just hungry and desperate."
He remembers the goblin he dealt with back in the Moonglade with Askr. They too just wanted peace and safety for their people. Perhaps there needed to be some sort of reform or stricter codes when it came to adventuring. End just killing things outright because the average person doesn't like them.
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Post by Lady Cirice Lunestre on Feb 19, 2023 0:45:26 GMT -5
“I would much prefer that they had a chance to be safe and not worry about their lodgings and food. I don’t like killing needlessly and it seems they were just trying to survive. Everyone has the right to survive.” Cirice looks to the goblins sadly, “I’m so sorry for what happened to your village. If you’ll get the rest of your people we’ll try to help you as best we can, but you can’t keep attacking people, it isn’t right.”
The goblin looks between the two adventurers, even the magic of Cirice’s spell not enough to dispel his distrust. “You really are gonna help us? Or just cart us off to be killed later?”
“We wouldn’t do that to you. You have our word1.” She pours a little magic into her words to drive their sincerity home. “You can ride in my wagon and we’ll take you back to the city, sound like a plan Lea or should ewe call a magistrate? I can send a bird.”
1 Smooth Talking
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 19, 2023 12:21:23 GMT -5
Capable and shrewd, Cirice already had the makings of a fine adventurer from Leandros could gather. He couldn't help but smile a bit watching her handle the goblins, taking care to mind that both sides have been at fault here.
"I would prefer we handle that when we get back to the city...warning them ahead of time could create....tensions. I dislike surprising the guards like this, but they won't slaughter the goblins on the city steps. If we warn them, they may meet us on the road where it would be easier to dispatch them." He rubs his chin in thought a moment. "Let us round them up and go."
The knight helps gather the rest of the goblins and get them into Cirice's wagon before remounting Byrr. He will trot out to the front of the caravan to lead the way once the repairs are done. Thankfully, they were only a few hours from Sol City, but there was much grumbling and consternation from the caravan leader about carrying a pack of goblins.
"They keep eyein up my food, they are gonna jump over and attack me!" The nerves were evident in the man's voice, though it was not unwarranted. The goblins did look famished.
"Hand them some loaves of bread, I will cover the costs." The man still seemed nervous as his son rummaged through to find a few loaves to toss over, which the goblins quickly descended upon. It wasn't much, but a good dense bread was at least enough to satiate their hunger for the time being.
Soon, Sol City came into view. The tall buildings at the center of the city dominated the horizon as the rest of the city spilled out from the epicenter like ripples in the water. On the outside it was a busy city, the hustle and bustle of it all creating a low and faint buzz even in the distance. As they approached the gates, Leandros motioned for Cirice to head off to the side for a moment before letting the caravan through.
Leandros dismounted from Byrr to greet the guards and hand off the coins owed to the baker. The first few moments of chatter are the typical business of getting a caravan through the city and checking the goods, marking visitors, and other administrative work.
"And that one?" The guard motion's towards Cirice's wagon.
"Ah....that is a special case that requires some explanation....It seems the issue with goblins on the trade route was a misunderstanding of sorts. I am requesting these goblins be arrested and to speak with the magistrate about their punishment."
"Big request, do you have any authority to do that?"
"Some," Leandros offers his signet ring which bears the same sigil as the back of his cloak. "And you have the word of this fine woman as well that they are aware of the wrong they've done and wish to atone."
The guard raises an eyebrow as he looks over to Cirice, handing the signet ring back to the knight.
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