@DeezNuts Kristoff didn't attempt to even conceal his smile as the thought of smashing arrogant knights flowed through his mind. "As you say commander, I'll try not to bloody them up to badly, that goes for you to Pierre, don't worry." Kristoff's grin had a feral playfulness to it, obviously hoping to antagonize his new companion. All in all this sounded like an excellent mission. Between bashing knights and feasting, he couldn't ask for anything more. Only it seemed poor Vorgen would be unable to join them, as few save the northerners appreciated the company of wolves. @BuriasDempsey "Seems like you get to have the real fun Lizard friend, any plans for that ship you lot will be stealing?"
Tuska was still deep in thought about the various acts of horrible violence he planned to inflict on the guards or any one else that decided to get in his way. That and the idea of stealing a ship also gave him thoughts of running off to become a pirate and get a fancy hat and sword in the prosess which was quite enticing to the orc's mind. Though of course the rest of the group might not be as fond of his idea so he kept in the back of his mind as the rest began talking about less intresting things. The idea of the lizard man leading the group he's in didn't really condemn him either as he would just bash some heads in and start burning things at the appropriate time so the other gits can start their job. This one was going to be fun that much he was sure of.
<Briefing - final thoughts> @DeranVendar @Jorimel @Maleth @Grall_Stonefist @TuskatheDaemonKilla @Skarboy @matt23 @BuriasDempsey @Keidivh @DeezNuts @DeranVendar @matt23 "Alright Harold, you can come with us and join the festivities. Now that I think of it, there might be some work for you there after all," Constantine replied, "And since you are going with us, I think Miss Mariah should join the diversion team and help them out for I foresee a great deal of trouble falling down upon them." After the briefing was over, everyone went back to their quarters to get their gear (Harold also received proper leather uniform which was looted from one of the barracks, the item being a spare one and undisturbed for the undead soldiers didn't need to dress up) and prepare for the long road ahead, Constantine informing them that it will take them at least five days to reach Ravenstein. The supplies they took would last them for around three weeks so they were ready for any unforeseen problems they might yet encounter. And so they eventually set out with their Employer in the lead, leaving the cold Middle Mountains and heading southwards for more friendlier climate but equally dangerous environment... <Arrival in Ravenstein> After the trip across the Ostland using the stone roads which connected the northern province with the rest of the Empire, on the morning of the fifth day the group finally crossed river Talabec couple of miles east of the town they were looking for. It was a fine and sunny autumn morning, the countryside crisscrossed with forests painted in the yellow and orange and fields on which the farmers harvested the last bits of wheat - those cultures more resistant to cold weather than the others - filled their landscape. Contrary to dark and foreboding forests and mountains of the north, here everything looked more peaceful and less brutal. Talabecland was after all one of the richest provinces of the Empire and although most of its populace lived off the forest and the hard work, it still showed on them by the way they dressed, worked and carried themselves. They passed couple of merchant caravans with guards being armored in heavy chainmail and carrying halberds while they also saw many herds of sheep and other livestock traversing the nearby riverside. Following the stony road besides the roaring river, they eventually arrived on a small hill overlooking the land beneath. The town of Ravenstein was sprawling beneath them, the place quite big and surrounded with tall stone walls although they could also see a number of districts outside the walls on each side of the city where those less-fortunate dwelt in. On a hill directly across the town from the place they were standing at they could see a great manor with beautiful green fields surrounding it on which at least a hundred tents and pavilions were erected - even from this location they could see that the festivities were underway. <Group I - Diversion> @matt23 @BuriasDempsey @TuskatheDaemonKilla @Maleth "Alright, first things first," Thomas said and pointed at the docks by the town where many ships were currently docked in with a lot of different markings and colors, although one of them was significantly larger than the rest, obviously not made for simply going up and down the river. "Xiuhcoatl, Tuska, Aloiza and Mariah - alright, I can safely say we got eyes on our target. However please remember that you should wait until the night before doing anything least we get into trouble sooner rather than later." "So, try to find a place to lay low until then. The rest of us will be at the feast and hopefully we won't need to communicate any more because everyone knows the plan but in the situation where it's imperative for you to let me know what's happening, I trust Aloiza to work some magic and deliver it." With that said, Constantine and the rest bid them farewell and headed for the town of Ravenstein below, leaving the four mercenaries on their own in the outskirts. Of course, the place was not empty as many caravans headed that way as well and first thing they could spot was a tavern on the side of the road nearby with a promising name - "Drunken Hog". At least they had some warm place to spend their time waiting at. <Group II - Infiltration> @Jorimel @Grall_Stonefist @Skarboy @DeranVendar + @DeezNuts @Keidivh Once they arrived at Ravenstein it took them quite a while to pass through the busy streets and reach the other side of it. Other than couple of curious looks aimed at their Ogre, none of the citizens paid them much heed as everyone was quite busy preparing all the stuff needed for their Baron's great wedding. However when they reached the outer gates on the other side of the town and approached the fields in front of the manor where the main celebration was taking place they were stopped by a cadre of heavily-armed guardsmen who asked them for their credentials. "I am Thomas Constantine from Marienburg, the famous fish merchant, you must've heard of me?" despite the guards exchanging quizzical glances he continued, "I have come to pay my respects to my cousin from my mother's side, your Baron Von Beringer and his lovely wife! And these friendly people you see with me are my associates, some of them even willing to compete all in the glory of his kind excellency!" The guards simply nodded, apparently believing Constantine's silver tongue and let them pass. Once they were in, Pierre and Kristoff went their own way while Khelandria, Tugg, Fulke and Harold remained with their Employer. Sounds of music echoed all around them and great tables with lots of food on them were sprawling on every direction with twice as many guests attending them. The atmosphere was quite cheerful, as it was expected, which made Thomas smile in appreciation. "Alright, we are here. I'm going to check some things out, scout the perimeter, scan the equipment the local security force has on its hands and so on. While I'm gone, you relax, feast and mingle - but don't do anything stupid to blow our cover before I get back. Remember, we are simple fish merchants from Marienburg so try to act like it. And don't kill anyone." With that said he left them and disappeared in the crowd, leaving each of them with couple of options - sit down at the table and start eating, go and dance a bit, try to find some new friends at the couple of groups nearby, one of them being a group of elderly gentlemen loudly arguing about something while the other one a group of solder-like individuals throwing grim looks at each other, or simply do something else entirely. One might say that they actually finally got some of a free time to spend on something other than just training to kill your next enemy, time where this mercenary life didn't look so bad after all. <Group III - Tournament> @DeezNuts @Keidivh OOC Also man, I won't penalize you for bringing Vorgen with you if you wish to chill besides you! After saying goodbyes to Constantine's part of the group, Kristoff and Pierre wouldn't have a hard time finding the place they were looking for as most of the crowd was going there anyway. They could see a great arena taking the spot in the middle of the field next to the number of pavilions, and on each side of the arena they could spot smaller rings, some with target dummies for arrow training or competition while others were filled with young men wrestling. In front of the arena there was a small makeshift house where a man with a huge scar across his neck and even a bigger mustache was sitting and accepting new contestants who were arriving in great number, having the same idea as both Kristoff and Pierre. There were all kinds of them, young and old, looking tough and green, all in all it was just one big pot of mixed ingredients, that could perhaps work in the favor of mercenaries. OOC Also, let's say that all of you who desire so can have appropriate cloaks with you that can help you blend in a little bit better in the crowd
@Colapse @DeezNuts Kristoff gave a casual wave to his companions as he headed off towards the arena with the Brettonian knight beside him. While a an ass, he wasn't quite as pompous as most knights he had met, and was curious to see how he fought. He had never seen him in combat before. What better way to get to know a man than to fight him in melee? Upon arriving at the arena the wolf priest took a moment to survey the area, assessing the worth of his potential opponents. Some were old and weathered, clearly having seen war, while others looked as if they had just gotten off the teat. He noticed a few sideways glances at him, the Talabeclanders clearly unused to seeing a wolf priest, which disappointed him Still it promised to be a worthy battle, and Kristoff bounced his warhammer in his hand at the thought of it all. "Come knight, lets see how many opponents we must face before I get to knock you about." He smiled through his thick beard before approaching the man in charge. He had a mighty moustache, but twas nothing compared to Kristoff's own wild mane. "Hail there stranger, you the one who gets us into the battle?"
"Understood." Xiuhcoatl nodded to Constantine before he left with the rest to the Baron's estate. Seeing the tavern from where they were wasn't too difficult, there always seemed to be at least one in every town and village no matter how small it was, and pointed towards it. "Seems like the best place to rest till night falls, just don't get too drunk." He said as he started walking down the hill and to town. He wore no cloak, wearing the new chainmail he received from Ori and his usual Lustrian gear openly. It would attract attention of course, but so would a massive greenskin and a Dark Elf witch while Mariah would be the only normal one of the group to other humans. His only main concern was keeping Tuska occupied long enough till they go for the ship later. An Ork looking for its own brand of fun did not bring good prospects in the Saurian's mind.
Being left on the outskirts of town with the Lizardman, Mariah and the Ork and with an inn by the name of the Drunken Hog ahead of them, Alozia said to the Lizardman: "Exactly what I was thinking, except my preferred pleasure doesn't need to be drunk." While the Druchii hoped that the others would remained well behaved enough, an Ork didn't exactly bode well for the chances of having the rest of the day to herself. Frankly, she'd consider it a miracle if they only had to bail him out of only a couple of brawls and that the couple of fights that did happen were not instigated by the Ork looking for a scrap.
"Okay boss, fish" Tugg answered, ogres dident really have a word or meaning for merchant, since in ogre society, if you wanted something, you just beat up the owner and took it, this applied for everything, but he guessed that was what all the gold was for. now left to his own devices, he just looked to the big tables filled with loads of food, and walked strait for them in giant steps, though half watching out that he dident step on or knock someone over, he was supposed to be discreet and smart, and eat fish.
As soon as the boss was done talking about stuff he didn't care about or didn't need to know Tuska followed the rest of the group that we're going to be bashing heads in as they walked towards a tavern. "Iz don't need ta be drunk ta fight eitha but it makes it a bit more challengin when Iz can't see straight!" Tuska said loudly after the spiky elf gave her opinion. He didn't bother to wear a cloak to hide himself as it would be obvious what he was even if he had one and besides being sneaky like that was for goblins not orcs especially black orcs. Which is why when night falls and they finally get to where they were supposed to be he was going to punch the first git in a uniform he sees square in the face and bash his head into the ground. But for now he was going to drink what these umies brew and see if it can actually get him a buzz.
Pierre simply strolled alongside his priest companion, his shield strapped to his back and his sword firmly in his grasp, resting on his shoulder as he walked. "Be careful, I might just push your ass into the most green looking group of fighters and watch you fall from the stinch of them shitting their pants" Pierre said with a friendly chuckle, exchanging insults with the priest being one of the few things he liked about this mercenary group. Following his companion to the man he could only assume they needed to talk to Pierre would wait for Kristoff to finish speaking before adding to the conversation. "A pleasure to meet you sir, I would like to sign up for the tournament as well along side my hairy friend here. @Keidivh @Colapse
<before> Khelandria nodded as Constantine set up the teams. A sensible arrangement. She could work with that. "Ah," she said, raising a hand to emphasise her point, "then I am to be a rich merchant's exotic foreign bodyguard? I believe that will cover a multitude of questions. As will a cloak." Privately, she sighed for the necessity to cover her devotion to Khaine, but the Lord of Murder was a pragmatic god. In any case, He could see into her heart, which was His alone, however the rest of her body might be dressed or employed. <in the sunny Southlands!> It was warm. Oh, the air was pleasantly light still, the gentle breezes of the day caressing her skin, but the Witch Elf wasn't used to the heat really, not even after her previous travels. It wasn't too burdensome, but she noticed. The sun was bright too. Her delicately pale Northern skin didn't really take a tan; it just wasn't something that happened to Elves. Even the most weather-beaten of Corsairs seldom looked more than a little dusty around the edges. She cast an eye over her fellow team-mates, noting with relief that Harold had ceased to scratch quite so enthusiastically. "Go with Khaine," she wished Aloiza, unaware of any other affiliations the Sorceress might have - after all, what others could there be beside the Bloody-Handed God? - and nodded to the others. She followed Constantine and his small entourage. When the time came for him to convince the gate guards of his role, she stood back and looked as tall and haughty as only an exotic Elven bodyguard could look. No sense in being subtle about that. It was expected, and she could deliver. Still, when they were given leave to go and mingle, she did wonder whether she could get a more suitable dress for the civilian part of her role. Alas, she'd spent all of her coin on the necessities for making her chamber suitable for a Shrine to Khaine. But she did enjoy dancing ... perhaps she could go and see what the festivities had to offer? And listen all the while, getting some idea of the local gossip and sifting out the kernels of news. Off to mingle in the festivities and listen for anything interesting. Also, see who's favourite to win the jousting.
