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Apr 16, 2016 16:46:23 GMT
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Post by Ursus on Mar 21, 2016 11:16:47 GMT
Your captain has been silent for most of this trip, as your wagon rumbles and jostles along the bumpy roads of the countryside. She's been sidestepping or flat-out ignoring your questions and prying, saying only 'you'll be briefed on that soon.'
You do know who she is, of course. Captain Murua was your recruiter. Whether for steady pay, glory, or simply for the hell of it, you accepted her offer of employment as a King's Ranger - the most trusted and able warriors of the crown. Were she wearing her helmet, you'd never have assumed her to be female - she's tall, broad in the shoulders, wearing a full set of plate armor with no complaint or signs of fatigue, a bastard sword hanging at her hip. She's not conventionally attractive, but there's a ferocity in her blue eyes and something intangible about her expression that you might call compelling.
Eventually the wagon stops, and a third recruit clambers into the back with you, taking a seat on one of many filled hessian sacks or oaken trunks. The wagon takes off, and Murua steps forward, apparently finally ready to speak.
"Rangers, welcome aboard. I'm make the introductions for you. Can't stand how awkward greenhorns can be." In turn, she indicates each of you. Her tone is curt, punctual, as if she's reading off a roster. Still, her expression shifts as she regards each recruit.
"Ranger Damascus, strongest son of his family. Makes a damn respectable blade, too." A nod. "Ranger Tei-Zen, expert on the criminal element and barehanded combat." A glare. "Ranger Lionsmane, scion of the Lionsmane family and able swordsman." A hint of a smile.
Murua leans back, sabatons thumping against the wooden half-wall separating the military men from the teamster driving the wagon.
"I'll keep it simple. Miristani scouts have been spotted up north. We can't afford a conflict with the Westerners right now, so we're going to figure out what they're doing here. We're on our way to Fort Macedon to gather information, and we're delivering supplies while we're at it. Once we get there, I'll determine our next course of action. Questions?"
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Mar 21, 2016 16:31:55 GMT
That was a right nice way of putting it, now init? Ruruo smiled and gave the Captain a wink in turn. That was an awful lot of woman, and he fancied a romp as he often did with the powerful type. Came up a bit lacking when she floored him on his first attempt. Cap'n's just a bit sore's all. Probably prefers the company o'th Lordling 'ere. Older woman, bit set in her ways, fair haired boy of a noble house. S'pose anyway. Nodding appreciatively, the ex-pirate opened his mouth with what was likely to be some form of witty quip before the captain cut him off and continued their briefing.
'Ranger Tei-Zen' mused for a moment, his expression jovial. "Not really 'bout th' mission Cap'n." Tugging at his bandanna to adjust it's seating along his brow, Ruruo squinted against the brightness of the nobleborn's armor. Cripes that's gaudy, wonder how many league's it's visible from?
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Jul 16, 2018 14:13:48 GMT
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Post by anonyman on Mar 21, 2016 17:08:10 GMT
Aethus sits straight up, ensuring proper posture and focusing intently at his new recruiters words. He had admittedly been surprised with his compatriots, especially the Tei-Zen fellow. Did they let just anyone into the rangers?
Criminal knowledge? Ah, he must be a trained spy for the kingdom. The man must merely be looking disheveled to fool ne'er do wells.
"Ma'am, will we be expelling the invading party through force if necessary?"
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Apr 16, 2016 16:46:23 GMT
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Post by Ursus on Mar 21, 2016 17:25:14 GMT
The captain, if she catches Ruruo's meaning, pays it no heed. Instead, she chooses to reply to Aethus.
"Yes. So far there have been no reports of hostile action - it may be possible to avoid bloodshed, but the safety of our country and our people take precedent over that of invading foreigners." For some reason, she glances back over at Tei-Zen at that.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Mar 21, 2016 18:48:26 GMT
Cap'n Mirua you're a cruel one, you are! Ah but the way that glare of yours stirs this heart! Shame armor does nothing for a woman's figure. "S'your call all the way Cap'n, but scouts usually mean more's a-comin'. If not now, then later. Presence of Rangers might bring'em in, in force."
Bobbing his head, Ruruo adjusted his leather lamellar armor. Tailored for him, the straps still dug a bit. It provided little protection, but nothing else permitted the kind of flexibility he required. It was also stiflingly warm to wear for someone who preferred light cotton and ocean breezes. How did Rangers function? Glancing between the other three assembled, Ruruo slipped into a long silence. He stared out over the driver.
Cap'n's all duty and country, s'to be expected of a leader in this line'a work. They ain't sellswords, so it sure int about coin either. It was a pledge to be here to do good? Yeah, I've supported some crooked types, but that was some choice thieving. Mostly. Broke the odd face or two, but betrayed my country? Journey's end ain't much of one. Bah, let'er judge.
Bundling up his bandanna, and stuffing it into a pocket, the older male certainly looked more presentable without it.
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Jul 16, 2018 14:13:48 GMT
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Post by anonyman on Mar 22, 2016 0:46:24 GMT
The young man seems unworried.
"Surely they will stop causing trouble when they know that people who matter are investigating. With such capable people here, I'm sure we can convince them to leave one way or the other."
Aethus turns so that the sun shines off his bright red armor just right, giving a confident smile to his followers teammates. A green grassy pokemon's head pops out from behind his armor, looking out at the others in the cart. It has a permanent upturned nose, and seems to be naturally looking down at the others.
The nobleman makes a note to chide Snivy later. It wasn't good to visibly look down on others. After all, the lower class were easily demoralized, and he couldn't have that before they went on such an important mission!
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Nov 20, 2016 17:04:16 GMT
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Post by Shieldbearer on Mar 22, 2016 21:36:50 GMT
Edgar looks over his allies during the exchange, examining their equipment. 'If that guy uses his fists, he may need something to protect them as he punches... And that noble - the shiny armor most certainly fits his background. Though I bet it can't take a hit!' As soon as the green snake looked down on them, the proud smith almost wanted to test his glaive on it, however decides against it. It wouldn't do to have friendly fire right before any mission, let alone the first one.
Regardless, he isn't really worried otherwise, idly inspecting his weapon, the largest and possibly finest weapon in the wagon, to make sure it was it tip-top condition. "If there are scouts there, then odds are, if more really will be coming, then they're going to get here whether we check on them or not. That said, I don't really have any more questions right now."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Mar 22, 2016 22:30:34 GMT
That one's eying the goods, e' is. Bit o' a parrot too, but tis what it tis. Ruruo looked over the hard, cracked leather that shielded the back of his left hand. They'd had an awful lot of scuffles together. He felt something wet settle on his pate, and over his ears, Sanga giving a self-assured giggle. "Get offa me ya little shite." The occupied cloud returned to it's excitable lap around the wagon for the fourth time. "Swear e' only does it ta get a rise out of me."
Getting comfortable in the bed of the wagon, despite no order to be at ease, the ex-pirate propped his head up on his hand and watched the woods as the wagon plodded along.
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Apr 16, 2016 16:46:23 GMT
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Post by Ursus on Mar 23, 2016 1:53:43 GMT
"One would hope so, Aethus. We've orders to take captives alive, if possible, but our first duty is to the people. Our people."
The wagon slows to a halt and the teamster pokes his head over the half-wall.
"Fraid the bridge's out ahead. Its just a few loose nails, from the looks of it. Won't take long to fix, but we're gonna have to wait here a bit while I get on it. Tauros can use a rest too."
His head disappears. Murua strides purposefully to the back end of the wagon and pulls the canvas flaps aside in a dramatic flourish. The scene beyound is quiet, picturesque, the quintessential Gallan countryside. The Royal Forest looms in the far distance, and a sea of long grasses and wildberry bushes stretch on either side of the road the wagon's been on. There's a small river a few dozen meters away.
"Might as well go occupy yourself. Stretch your legs, go catch a wild or something. I'll sound a horn when the wagon's all fixed." Something in that sounded like an order. She rustles through a small satchel and retrieves half a dozen pearly white pokeballs, setting them at the edge of the wagon. "Shouldn't be anything to dangerous out here, so try not to waste any resources."
Two premier balls each. Much like Silver Team, if you choose to hunt for wilds, roll Perception and 2d6.
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Post by anonyman on Mar 23, 2016 2:37:43 GMT
Aethus hops off the cart, gleaming in the sun.
"Well then, let us go and greet the locals!"
He strides off, Snivy in tow, interested in seeing some of the wildlife so far from his home castle. It had been a long time since he'd gone hunting for wilds, and for the first time had a reason to do it other than sport! TRiI_X7W2d6Perception 2d6Other thing
Now, to see what he could find out here. 2d6·2d6
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Mar 23, 2016 11:55:44 GMT
Bah, chance to be alone with Cap'n an it's ruined by the chaina command. Did my stretches this mornin', I did. Suppose another round won't hurt. Whistling loudly for Sanga, Ranger Tei-Zen vaulted over the side of the wagon. Sure enough the Puffluff shot free between the wheels and brushed it's cloudy body along his hip.
"Cripes, why're yeh always so wet 'n cold? 'S a nice day out. C'mon, we's off to find us a scrap... er... recruit by the sounds of it. Tha's Ranger talk yeah?" The Puffluff made an approving squeak of joy in response. "Where ya to Lordling?" Ruruo bounded off after the shining young man.
fgG4G1qD2d6 Perception 2d6 Unnamed Roll2d6·2d6
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Nov 20, 2016 17:04:16 GMT
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Post by Shieldbearer on Mar 23, 2016 12:42:57 GMT
Taking the balls, Ranger Damascus shrugged and casually hopped out of the wagon. "I suppose it won't hurt." Looking to the mildly amusing relationship between human and Pokemon, he took his own Pokeball and thought 'Maybe I'll get a chance to let this Pokemon out and get to know it a bit better...'
Finding that his two other companions were going in the same direction, there wasn't any reason for all of them not to go together, other than to cover more ground, so he also followed along, watching their surroundings closely for any targets. That said, the magnificent shine of the 'Lordling' there was very distracting. "I wonder if that armor protects as well as it shines..."
Perception = pusUzwU13d6 ? = 2d63d6·2d6
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Post by Ursus on Mar 23, 2016 13:07:45 GMT
Aethus leads the crew, as is his birthright. Not that he makes much of it. In fact the party makes it a pretty good distance without being ambushed by wild pokemon in the thick, tall grass. Odd. Luckily, there's plenty of time left in the day.
Finally, a small chorus of squeaking pokemon catch the party's attention. Damascus is the first to spot them, though the others follow his gaze - a handful of dedenne scurry through the brush, their movements noticeably encumbered. Each appears to be carrying a small item in their little fairy-mouse paws. Their shapes quickly disappear into the grasses, but it wouldn't be hard to follow them, given the noise and rustling they leave in their wake.
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Post by anonyman on Mar 23, 2016 15:45:36 GMT
"Exploring, its not often I get to wander without a retainer or two." Aethus pauses, embarrassed. He hadn't meant to admit to that. "Well, of course not to say I lack experience! Just for practical reasons you see and..." Crap. He mispoke in front of the others. "Come! Let us greet these small yellow Pokemon's leader." He has read about these types before. They were....pikachu right? He should greet the pack leader Raichu.
He attempts to peer over and see what the pokemon were carrying. Tributes perhaps? UWQNRoIZ2d62d6
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Post by Ursus on Mar 25, 2016 13:04:25 GMT
Aethus can't get a great view of what they're ferrying - one appears to have an apricorn, another a berry, but he can't tell for sure. They seem pretty fixated on getting out of their with their prizes intact.
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Post by anonyman on Mar 25, 2016 18:04:12 GMT
Aethus, believing his tribute theory to be confirmed, continues to follow the chipmunk pokemon, assuming his 'followers' would be in tow.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 10, 2024 12:51:43 GMT
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Post by Robot on Mar 26, 2016 1:18:21 GMT
"Whazis then, buncha rats scurrying about?" Ruruo shoved his hands in his pockets and wandered along after the line of mice, more interested in where they're going, then what they're going with. Whenever he should lose sight of them, he falls back on his old tracker skills.
0HtMwDMv3d6 Survival3d6
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Post by Ursus on Mar 26, 2016 12:15:09 GMT
The Dedenne do eventually pick up their pace, but Ruruo's easily able to point out the path of trampled dirt patches and bent blades of grass for the rest of the party.
The trail leads them to the base of a lone, broad tree that looks roughly 40 feet tall. Curled up beneath it is what can only be an Absol - fur bone-white and horn the luster of polished amethyst. It watches stoically as the last of the electric mice drop their possessions before it and scamper off - an eclectic collection of bits and things that they have scavenged or stolen. The Absol raises its eyes to the humans that have appeared before it, but does not rise. There's something. . . different about this one, almost otherworldly. Surely pokemon would not pay tribute to some other base, mundane creature after all.
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Post by anonyman on Mar 26, 2016 17:13:22 GMT
Aethus whispers to his companions. "Does something seem...off about this to you two?"
Not waiting for an answer from his retainers compatriots, he approaches the Absol with interest.
"Greetings. I take it from the tribute being brought to you that you are the leader of this area."
The young noble is a bit unsure of what to refer to the absol as. Did pokemon have rulers? Leaders? Kings? He never read about inter-species politics in his studies.
"However, your vassels are rather...small. Why don't you come join us and claim a higher ruling."
He ignores the voice in the back of his head saying to be more careful with this Absol and to not treat it like some random wild. Surely it wasn't something that couldn't be handled with some good old-fashioned diplomacy, right?
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Post by Ursus on Mar 26, 2016 21:18:33 GMT
The Absol watches Aethus approach with no great amount of concern. Attention, yes, but not fear or urgency. Aethus does provoke some sort of reaction though, as the Absol slowly sits up on its haunches, listening to the request. There is no further immediate reaction, though. Either it doesn't understand or its not terribly impressed.
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