"Palua-Palua, shit. I'm still only in Palua-Palua. Every time I think I'm going to wake up back in the forest. When I was home after my first tour, it was worse. I'd wake up and there'd be nothing...I hardly said a word to my wife until I said yes to a divorce. When I was here I wanted to be there. When I was there, all I could think of was getting back into the forest."
Hektor woke to the sound of Captain Willard voicing his inner monologue, potentially just waking up himself. Even though the bunk for the Watch Captain was in its own room off the bay where the rest of the beds stood, the door was open and his voice carried.
The Captain was like nearly a third of the city guard. Placed in Palua-Palua after signing away their life to the Kingdom, and only finding out then that the mainland had enough guards, so they were shipped out here. Willard had actually joined at the tail end of a border conflict with the elven nation of Shinra, only to then be sent here, as a way of saying 'thank you for your service, but now that we own you, we'll do whatever we want with you'. He was a patriot in his own way, but had no love for the crown.
The barracks bay had no windows, but only a door at either end, with a lit lantern next to each. This allowed any city guard to sleep, regardless of their shift during the day. Personal belongings and equipment were kept in trunk rooms beyond the bay doors. If the Captain was awake, then it was likely time for Hektor to start moving as well. The morning changing of the guard marked the start of his shift.
In the bunk next to Hektor, Private Hudson was snoring away. Private Hudson had been assigned to duty alongside Hektor. Unless you were assigned to duty on the city wall, you rarely went anywhere without some sort of second.
Hektor grunted, a sort of half cough, then cleared his throat. He sighed, shifted his pendant to a more comfortable position then swung his legs out from beneath the covers. He stifled a chill, followed by stifling a yawn as he took a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the bay. He glanced over at Hudson, snoring away like a youth in a manger. He shook his head, recalling days long ago when he slept so soundly. He returned his gaze to his boots on the floor, he pulled them on and slowly stood. He stretched, taking a large breath before fully coming to extension then swiftly returned to a relaxed state.
He took some steps towards Hudson before leaning down and laying one open hand on his chest. "Hudson, stop yer snorrin' 'fore the capt'n comes in and lays a palm over yer mouth." He waited a moment for Hudson to register any kind of acknowledgement.
"zzz---clown has NO penis." Coming to terms with reality, as he awakens, Hudson speaks incoherently, or at the very least nonsensical, and shakes his head trying to gain full use of his senses. Without another word he pulled his own boots on in turn and lumbered toward the trunk room, through which he turns the corner to relieve and wash up in the latrine.
Emerging from his business, he proceeds to equip himself with his armaments and prepare himself for the day. "HeySarge" he says following a yawn that required him to twist his entire face, in order to get out. Glancing out the window in the trunk room, he brings something to Hektor's attention, from the yard below. "Offcoming shift must have some interesting news." Down below a formation of city guard are all crowded around one individual looking down at a piece of parchment. As they were too far to see the words on the parchment, and the window did not open, blocking any chance to hear; whatever was being read was anybody guess.
As was normal routine though, Hektor and Hudson would have to make their way out there eventually anyway for shift assignments, whenever they were finished with breakfast.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hektor grunted an acknowledgement both to Hudson's incoherent dream speech and his subsequent news, taking care of his own morning reliefs in the latrine. He paused, giving himself a once over, stroking his chin and deciding he could wait another day or two before having to shave. Satisfied, Hektor donned his own gear from the trunk room, armed himself with his customary longsword and pulled one of the Watch shields from where they lay. He gave a glance toward the yard from the window, then eyed skyward wondering what sort of weather they were in store for later in the day.
19 (Survival)
"We'll know soon enough. Let's get some food while everyone else is gawking." He gave the younger man a nudge on the shoulder with his own before heading to the mess. By this point he hardly noticed the extra weight from the chainmail and mostly ignored the metallic sounds ringing off of him as he walked. "If we're lucky it'll be hot."
Judging as best he could having grown up in the city, his entire life, Hektor predicted the sunny weather would hold for the day. The fluttering of the flags outside told him there was wind, and likely enough that would occasionally carry the ocean spray along with it, providing a refreshing feel to anyone with an eye line to the water, when not obstructed by buildings.
Descending to the barracks main floor, the staircase opened directly to the large mess, where some tables were already filled with guardsmen both coming off and going on duty. Dinner or breakfast, it was all the same, some sort of gruel type substance with meat, boiled eggs, bread and cheese. Normally the evening and afternoon meals are the only times fruits or vegetables were available, unless guards individually decided that their money ,normally spent on alcohol, women, and trinkets, was better spent on healthy food alternatives.
As Hektor and Hudson sat down, another private propped up next to Hudson. He had just come in from outside, likely in the group that Hudson had pointed out. Hektor had seen the private before, but didn't know his name. "Hudson, did you hear? Revolt in the Capital. Civil war between the royals. It's game over, man. Game over!" The frantic private then immediately removed himself and quickly as he arrived to jump beside another guardsman in the mess, and repeat a similar message. Hudson watched as the other private left, turning back to his food and Hektor. "You think it's true, Sarge? What he said."
Hektor shrugged. Sopping up some of his gruel with bread to make it more palatable. "Recall your General Orders of the Sentry. Observe everything within sight and hearing." Hektor took a quick drink. "Further, wait for word from the Watch Officer of the Day in any case not covered by orders. Now temper that with my experience and we should wait to see this proclamation with our own eyes and listen to those higher ranking. They will find the truth of it." He glanced over to Hudson as he ate. "Until then, we should proceed with our duties, get our patrol for the day, request additional supplies depending on assignment and stop by a fruit stand before scurvy sets in." He huffed at the last, returning to his meal in haste.
Internally, worry reared its head. Civil War meant unrest, that meant his job was going to become much harder.
Following breakfast, and eventually making their way to the yard for morning reports, the off-going watch Captain was still there.
"Alright, listen up. I'm sure by now you've all heard the rumors. There was some sort of incident in the Capital. While everything is now under control, the Kingdom's Right Hand has been activated and until further notice, Cathaan and all lands, this one included are under her law, while they investigate and search for certain members of the royal family who have fled. However, that does not change business here. Everyone is to continue their assigned duties and carry on as normal."
Normally, this would have been when the oncoming Captain took over, pure the normal daily routine, but Captain Willard was not there. The offgoing, Captain Morgan, began giving out route assignments, eventually getting to Hektor. "Lethe. Hudson. Walk the docks."
Hektor knew from experience that the docks route was a rotating luck-of-the-draw assignment that no one wanted, and it just so happened to fall to him. The docks were just a long beach head with decrepit piers where the pearl divers used to work from. Since the pearls no longer exist, the docks have just became a deserted patrol that lands you with sunburn and sandy cracks, even if you never touch the beach itself. The wind just has a way of blowing the sand into everywhere you don't want it.
After hearing of the assignment, Hudson turned and asked Hektor a question that not only did Hektor expect, but was waiting for, since her heard the word 'Docks': "So, lunch at the Pearl?"
The only redeeming quality of the docks is a tavern right on the edge of the city wall, next to the unused gate that led to the shore. The tavern had no sign, but went under the name, the Black Pearl. It was small in size, but only cramped inside because of how popular it was. During the day one could manage to get some elbow space. On a 'patio' outside the tavern, which was just really a roped off plot of dirt, at all hours you could find competitions and tournaments. Wrestling, arm wrestling, darts, axe throwing, drinking. Basically if you could challenge someone to something that didn't require much more than standing still, you'd find it here. Food wasn't half bad either. The real appeal were the tales told by the Pearl's owner, Jack. An old, salty, supposed Pirate, from back in the day, he always had a tale, and was quite charismatic in telling. So no matter what your fancy, you're sure to find something worth while, at the Pearl.
Hektor nodded at Captain Morgan when their patrol was assigned. He glanced skyward again, thankful that the wind would at least keep them cool. He waited a moment for the question he knew would come. "So, lunch at the Pearl?" Hektor nodded, moving toward the barracks gatehouse. "Aye, assuming nothing keeps us busy. Let's grab some of that aloe balm they sell in the market when we get fruit. We can stave off the worst to our faces at least."
Willard not changing over was odd, but not unheard of. Likely got held up reading reports or taking his time in the privy. The docks falling on them was what it was, part of Hektor was disappointed being so far removed from the city streets and bustle, but it could offer a quiet day to reflect on the current news. The Right Hand, royals on the run, the news was sure to cause a stir within the city walls. "Top off on water Hudson, it is sure to be a long one."
Being that the sun had only begun to shine on the city streets of Palua-Palua, many of its citizens had not stirred from their houses to crowd it. This allowed for a relatively painless avenue for Hektor and Hudson to reach the 'docks'.
The day proceeded as uneventful and dull as Hektor knew to anticipate. The waves crashed violently against the rocky spires and throwing spray towards the two city guards, even without the help of the wind. No other soul ventured down, whether humanoid or otherwise. No ships passed by on the waters beyond the rocks. And aside from the crashing waves and dull murmur of the city, the only nonconstant sound was the occasional sea bird, but as they flew overheard, you'd have to practically stare at the sun in an attempt to glimpse one.
The thrilling life of a city guard on patrol at the docks.
By mid afternoon, a new sound broke the 'silence'. The sound of Hudson's stomach rumbling with hunger. He looks over towards Hektor, expectantly and hopefully.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC: Price to deduct for fruit (applex2) and balm (aloex2).
Perception: 9
(Anything of interest such as a small boat, a random diver, a particularly nice shell, an odd bird, etc.)
The day crawled by, allowing Hektor to weigh the situation in his mind. Palua-Palua was so far away, now even further being separated by a stretch of hostile land, from the Capital and the busier going ons that even a civil war and a search seemed to be happening somewhere else to someone else. Still, with little to do at his current post, he imagined what sort of events would have to unfold to carry not only some self righteous nobles but the Right Hand and their bannermen to their location. He couldn't think of anything reasonable and for them to even receive a missive meant someone somewhere was at least keeping them in mind. Hektor was loyal to his city. Loyal to the crown? He supposed, he never really put much thought into some ruler he had never seen in some place he had only heard about. His mind turned over these thoughts while his vision scanned the empty docks for anything out of place.
At length, the sound of Hudson's stomach brought his mind to ponder its own stomach's emptiness. It echoed Hudson's. Hektor turned, shrugged the weight of his gear and cracked a small grin at one corner of his mouth. "I do believe it is about time for a meal Hudson, let's make our way to the Pearl." Hektor walked the familiar steps to the tavern, a bit anxious to hear the next tall tale from Pirate Jack and to sample something a bit more exotic than barracks chow.
Once back within the city walls proper, the Black Pearl was easily the first building to catch one's eye. However, the only ones that would ever enter the city via that entrance are those who previously left through it, the eye catching tavern was already something of which they'd be aware.
Passing the roped off exterior, there was a circular crowd around a single high table, at which two large men were in a deadlock contest of strength, arm wrestling. The crowd was rowdy; yelling and cheering, but nothing out of hand, at least not yet.
Inside the tavern, it was filled with the lunch rush. People of all sorts, though all being human still, filled the place. And Captain Jack at a table, drink in hand, and definitely not his first, regailing with some tale. "Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber. Takin' my money with me, but I never knew the danger. For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell. I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels." Lifting his glass as he spoke, when it happened to come within eye level and directly in front of him, the Captain became suddenly distracted by it, and his entire demeanor changed to one of confusion. "There's whiskey in this jar-o." He then chugged the swig or two left of his drink and cheered, to be accompanied by the rest of the place, as he returned to the same attitude with which he was story-telling.
There was a bit of standing room at the bar, but if Hektor and Hudson wanted a table, they would have to wait for others to leave. The other patrons consisted primarily have commoners, though one or two couples of individuals dressed in a fancier manner, no noteworthy nobility though. The commoners were likely traders, farmers, craftsmen. Hektor did see a pair of note though; two city guard. A Sergeant and a Corporal. The Corporal, was one that Hektor had seen before but knew nothing of him. The Sergeant however, Hektor at least knew his name, 'Slater', though they had never met. Hektor only knew of him because he heard of Privates that referred to him as 'Sergeant Slaughter'. Both were from the shift before Hektor's and likely had been in that huddle he and Hudson saw from the window, when they first woke.
The Pearl was about as rowdy as he expected for the time of day. Hektor gave a passing glance at the arm wrestling and continued on inside. He shifted his way past some people, pausing to listen to Jack finish his tale. Hektor shook his head with a small chuckle and continued on, pausing when he spied the other guardsmen. "Hudson, grab us a space at the bar there. I will be with you in a moment." He moved on towards his fellow soldiers, standing where he could and nodded a greeting to each.
"Sergeant, Corporal. Hopefully your watch has gone untroubled thus far. What news?"
Hudson moved towards the bar as Hektor went to the other two guardsmen.
The Corporal appeared hesitant to respond and immediately looked to the Sergeant. Even had the superior rank not been present, the Corporal's demeanor seemed that he may not have responded otherwise altogether.
Sergeant Slaughter gave a solid nod in response to Hektor, "Sergeant", as he approached, his eyes drifting to Hektor's rank, as if almost confirmationfor what he was saying. When Hektor stood firmly at a stop in front of the two, Slaughter continued the conversation. "We were just discussing the news from the Capital. A split in the royals; the opposition led by the Baron's own sister, Lady Tetra."
Palua-Palua had a newspaper that regularly posted about news from the mainland, and although everyday politics that didn't effect the colony weren't as common, Lady Tetra was among the more widely known of the Berossus bloodline. She and her late husband were particularly popular for their stances of equality among races. They were the type of people who put their money where there mouth's were, having even adopted an orphan elf and raised her as their own daughter.
Lady Tetra was also one of the more influential members of the royal council, though one would have to have a particular interest into that aspect; otherwise, this is just more a reputation she carries for most people. She is generally loved and has even been the one to smooth over situations caused by the Baron, that could possibly have had led to revolution otherwise. The Baron however is the stereotypical stuffy noble, who turns his nose up at everyone, considering himself superior to all other Berossus for being Baron, superior to all other nobles for being a Berossus, superior to all other humans for being a noble, and superior to all other races for being human. But he is the heir of the throne, the purest Berossus blood.
Any Cathaan child who was afforded basic schooling would know that the government of Cathaan was run as such:
The Baron is the highest individual authority, though his primary role is running the capital city. The Kingdom itself is run by a council, at which every blood-member of the Berossus's sits. Every bloodline member of the council votes on policies for the kingdom at large, the only stipulation being that the Baron's votes carries more weight. However, a vast majority is capable of overruling him. A type of checks and balances.
"I hear the Right Hand may even be posted, until it's settled. Tell me, Sergeant. What are your thoughts on the conflict? Should there be a decision to be made, would you follow Lady Tetra, in a position of power?"
More common knowledge that the Kingdom's Right Hand was a position of a non-bloodline lineage with economically gained nobility. The Right Hand is a family line that can be passed down from parent to child, though more often not. The Right Hand successors are chosen either at birth or at a very young age, and raised with some of the greatest and most brutal instructors, teaching them diplomacy, mercantilism, arcane magics, languages, carpentry, hunting, masonry, agriculture, smiting, every conceivable aspect of combat. All of which are just a very short sample of the taught skills. Ultimately the Right Hand is groomed to be able to found, build, expand and maintain an entire kingdom. Thought not to be a jack of all trades, but a master of all. And this Right Hand can be given complete control of the kingdom, by only a simple majority vote of the council.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hektor glanced for a moment longer at the Corporal before focusing on the Sergeant.
"Lady Tetra, I hadn't realized the schism was at such heights." he paused thinking of any anecdote to recall from his memory. (History) 19 He continued regardless. "I had heard that the Right Hand had been activated, but unless things really get out of hand I doubt the council will anger one side or the other by bypassing them for the Hand. Likely they will divide to either Baron or the Lady, with a few waiting to see where the straw may fall before casting their lot." He idly scratched the corner of his mouth before continuing. "To be honest I hadn't put much thought into following a different distant noble at some place far off from here. I assumed with us being so far removed from the central conflicts we would default to a more self-governed city-state until things were set in the Capital." He looked back to check on Hudson before returning his attention to the Sergeant. "As for the conflict itself..." he shrugged, the motion mimicked by his armor "...nobles fighting is nothing new, less so with family. It will be a saber rattling flex before someone backs down and his forgiven with extended frontier management." He shook his head. "Well, in any event it is too early to say on such matters without more pressing news or evidence, short of a detachment of the Hand or the Noble Council showing up and our superiors being pressed to the task. In any event our duty is to this city and my opinion is that should remain at the forefront of any action we may take."
He motioned to the Sergeant. "Yourself? Any gleanings from anything you've heard?" (Insight) 12
Hektor failed to recall anything specific, and the more he spoke, it seemed the less he gleaned from the Sergeant and Corporal, aside from taking them at their word.
"That's all I know through official word. Rumor mill has been spreading that Lady Tetra and he children had to flee the capital; escaping persecution. While you can't necessarily trust sheer hearsay, it does tend to hold nuggets of truth. If she did flee, I wouldn't be surprised if she came here, to escape the Baron's immediate reach."
Hektor nodded in response. "Likely right, though she would have to cross considerable straights just to seek some solace she may not even get." He shrugged. "Time will tell. I'm for a meal. May your watch go untroubled." Hektor nodded his farewell and made his way to where he last saw Hudson.
Sergeant Slater nodded in turn, and went back to his discussion with the unnamed Corporal' when Hektor walked away.
Hudson was at the bar and as Hektor approached, a barmaid placed two plates and two wooden cups on the counter.
"Just ordered two lunch specials, Sarge. Said it came with a paired drink."
The plates had some sort of grilled chicken and small skewered sea creatures, along with a pile of oil drenched tomatoes, peppers, olives, and cheese. The liquid in the cup was a new one to Hektor. The color was dark, and the consistency was thick and heavy, though it tasted like a 'spicy tea.
The food had a butteriness to the flavor. Following the meal, Hudson left to go 'relieve himself', however, after about 10 had passed, he still had not returned.
Hektor tucked in, delighted to eat anything with actual flavor to it. The drink was a touch odd, He smelled it before every drink but couldn't quite place the flavor of it exactly. All-in-all he savoured the meal and the drink, not much for chat as the both of them were eating. Hektor nodded at Hudson's leave, taking the time to finish his own meal. A few minutes later he paid, leaving his usual tip, expecting Hudson to return. A few minutes later and the young Private had still not shown up. Hektor sighed, hoping that the City Watchman was just having a go of it in the privy after his meal and not having a go of it with some bar wench.
"Thank you." Hektor stated to a passing barmaid before making his leave. He headed toward the privy area, hoping Hudson would run into him before he ran into Hudson.
Heading towards the privy, Hektor spies Hudson prior to reaching his intended destination. Hudson is speaking with the same Sergeant and Corporal that Hektor had approached just before the meal. Hektor happens upon them at the end of some conversation, in which the Sergeant is shaking the Private's hand.
"Sarge, ready to head back?" Hudson calls to Hektor, upon meeting eyes with him.
Hektor shifted his gaze between the Watchmen but nodded his head. "Aye, let me tend to my own business while you hens cluck." He jested, half smiling before taking some privacy.
Internally he sighed, his skin felt like it was crawling for a moment. As if others were sizing up a mark before it was a corpse. Lines were being drawn on a board with unknown and unknowable borders beyond the edge of the map. Who dares may win, but at what cost right or wrong?
Relieved, Hektor washed and returned to where the others last were, ready to resume the watch on the sand of the beach.
"Palua-Palua, shit. I'm still only in Palua-Palua. Every time I think I'm going to wake up back in the forest. When I was home after my first tour, it was worse. I'd wake up and there'd be nothing...I hardly said a word to my wife until I said yes to a divorce. When I was here I wanted to be there. When I was there, all I could think of was getting back into the forest."
Hektor woke to the sound of Captain Willard voicing his inner monologue, potentially just waking up himself. Even though the bunk for the Watch Captain was in its own room off the bay where the rest of the beds stood, the door was open and his voice carried.
The Captain was like nearly a third of the city guard. Placed in Palua-Palua after signing away their life to the Kingdom, and only finding out then that the mainland had enough guards, so they were shipped out here. Willard had actually joined at the tail end of a border conflict with the elven nation of Shinra, only to then be sent here, as a way of saying 'thank you for your service, but now that we own you, we'll do whatever we want with you'. He was a patriot in his own way, but had no love for the crown.
The barracks bay had no windows, but only a door at either end, with a lit lantern next to each. This allowed any city guard to sleep, regardless of their shift during the day. Personal belongings and equipment were kept in trunk rooms beyond the bay doors. If the Captain was awake, then it was likely time for Hektor to start moving as well. The morning changing of the guard marked the start of his shift.
In the bunk next to Hektor, Private Hudson was snoring away. Private Hudson had been assigned to duty alongside Hektor. Unless you were assigned to duty on the city wall, you rarely went anywhere without some sort of second.
Hektor grunted, a sort of half cough, then cleared his throat. He sighed, shifted his pendant to a more comfortable position then swung his legs out from beneath the covers. He stifled a chill, followed by stifling a yawn as he took a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim light of the bay. He glanced over at Hudson, snoring away like a youth in a manger. He shook his head, recalling days long ago when he slept so soundly. He returned his gaze to his boots on the floor, he pulled them on and slowly stood. He stretched, taking a large breath before fully coming to extension then swiftly returned to a relaxed state.
He took some steps towards Hudson before leaning down and laying one open hand on his chest. "Hudson, stop yer snorrin' 'fore the capt'n comes in and lays a palm over yer mouth." He waited a moment for Hudson to register any kind of acknowledgement.
Exitus Acta Probat
"zzz---clown has NO penis." Coming to terms with reality, as he awakens, Hudson speaks incoherently, or at the very least nonsensical, and shakes his head trying to gain full use of his senses. Without another word he pulled his own boots on in turn and lumbered toward the trunk room, through which he turns the corner to relieve and wash up in the latrine.
Emerging from his business, he proceeds to equip himself with his armaments and prepare himself for the day. "Hey Sarge" he says following a yawn that required him to twist his entire face, in order to get out. Glancing out the window in the trunk room, he brings something to Hektor's attention, from the yard below. "Offcoming shift must have some interesting news." Down below a formation of city guard are all crowded around one individual looking down at a piece of parchment. As they were too far to see the words on the parchment, and the window did not open, blocking any chance to hear; whatever was being read was anybody guess.
As was normal routine though, Hektor and Hudson would have to make their way out there eventually anyway for shift assignments, whenever they were finished with breakfast.
Hektor grunted an acknowledgement both to Hudson's incoherent dream speech and his subsequent news, taking care of his own morning reliefs in the latrine. He paused, giving himself a once over, stroking his chin and deciding he could wait another day or two before having to shave. Satisfied, Hektor donned his own gear from the trunk room, armed himself with his customary longsword and pulled one of the Watch shields from where they lay. He gave a glance toward the yard from the window, then eyed skyward wondering what sort of weather they were in store for later in the day.
19 (Survival)
"We'll know soon enough. Let's get some food while everyone else is gawking." He gave the younger man a nudge on the shoulder with his own before heading to the mess. By this point he hardly noticed the extra weight from the chainmail and mostly ignored the metallic sounds ringing off of him as he walked. "If we're lucky it'll be hot."
Exitus Acta Probat
Judging as best he could having grown up in the city, his entire life, Hektor predicted the sunny weather would hold for the day. The fluttering of the flags outside told him there was wind, and likely enough that would occasionally carry the ocean spray along with it, providing a refreshing feel to anyone with an eye line to the water, when not obstructed by buildings.
Descending to the barracks main floor, the staircase opened directly to the large mess, where some tables were already filled with guardsmen both coming off and going on duty. Dinner or breakfast, it was all the same, some sort of gruel type substance with meat, boiled eggs, bread and cheese. Normally the evening and afternoon meals are the only times fruits or vegetables were available, unless guards individually decided that their money ,normally spent on alcohol, women, and trinkets, was better spent on healthy food alternatives.
As Hektor and Hudson sat down, another private propped up next to Hudson. He had just come in from outside, likely in the group that Hudson had pointed out. Hektor had seen the private before, but didn't know his name. "Hudson, did you hear? Revolt in the Capital. Civil war between the royals. It's game over, man. Game over!" The frantic private then immediately removed himself and quickly as he arrived to jump beside another guardsman in the mess, and repeat a similar message. Hudson watched as the other private left, turning back to his food and Hektor. "You think it's true, Sarge? What he said."
Hektor shrugged. Sopping up some of his gruel with bread to make it more palatable. "Recall your General Orders of the Sentry. Observe everything within sight and hearing." Hektor took a quick drink. "Further, wait for word from the Watch Officer of the Day in any case not covered by orders. Now temper that with my experience and we should wait to see this proclamation with our own eyes and listen to those higher ranking. They will find the truth of it." He glanced over to Hudson as he ate. "Until then, we should proceed with our duties, get our patrol for the day, request additional supplies depending on assignment and stop by a fruit stand before scurvy sets in." He huffed at the last, returning to his meal in haste.
Internally, worry reared its head. Civil War meant unrest, that meant his job was going to become much harder.
Exitus Acta Probat
Following breakfast, and eventually making their way to the yard for morning reports, the off-going watch Captain was still there.
"Alright, listen up. I'm sure by now you've all heard the rumors. There was some sort of incident in the Capital. While everything is now under control, the Kingdom's Right Hand has been activated and until further notice, Cathaan and all lands, this one included are under her law, while they investigate and search for certain members of the royal family who have fled. However, that does not change business here. Everyone is to continue their assigned duties and carry on as normal."
Normally, this would have been when the oncoming Captain took over, pure the normal daily routine, but Captain Willard was not there. The offgoing, Captain Morgan, began giving out route assignments, eventually getting to Hektor. "Lethe. Hudson. Walk the docks."
Hektor knew from experience that the docks route was a rotating luck-of-the-draw assignment that no one wanted, and it just so happened to fall to him. The docks were just a long beach head with decrepit piers where the pearl divers used to work from. Since the pearls no longer exist, the docks have just became a deserted patrol that lands you with sunburn and sandy cracks, even if you never touch the beach itself. The wind just has a way of blowing the sand into everywhere you don't want it.
After hearing of the assignment, Hudson turned and asked Hektor a question that not only did Hektor expect, but was waiting for, since her heard the word 'Docks': "So, lunch at the Pearl?"
The only redeeming quality of the docks is a tavern right on the edge of the city wall, next to the unused gate that led to the shore. The tavern had no sign, but went under the name, the Black Pearl. It was small in size, but only cramped inside because of how popular it was. During the day one could manage to get some elbow space. On a 'patio' outside the tavern, which was just really a roped off plot of dirt, at all hours you could find competitions and tournaments. Wrestling, arm wrestling, darts, axe throwing, drinking. Basically if you could challenge someone to something that didn't require much more than standing still, you'd find it here. Food wasn't half bad either. The real appeal were the tales told by the Pearl's owner, Jack. An old, salty, supposed Pirate, from back in the day, he always had a tale, and was quite charismatic in telling. So no matter what your fancy, you're sure to find something worth while, at the Pearl.
Hektor nodded at Captain Morgan when their patrol was assigned. He glanced skyward again, thankful that the wind would at least keep them cool. He waited a moment for the question he knew would come. "So, lunch at the Pearl?" Hektor nodded, moving toward the barracks gatehouse. "Aye, assuming nothing keeps us busy. Let's grab some of that aloe balm they sell in the market when we get fruit. We can stave off the worst to our faces at least."
Willard not changing over was odd, but not unheard of. Likely got held up reading reports or taking his time in the privy. The docks falling on them was what it was, part of Hektor was disappointed being so far removed from the city streets and bustle, but it could offer a quiet day to reflect on the current news. The Right Hand, royals on the run, the news was sure to cause a stir within the city walls. "Top off on water Hudson, it is sure to be a long one."
Exitus Acta Probat
Being that the sun had only begun to shine on the city streets of Palua-Palua, many of its citizens had not stirred from their houses to crowd it. This allowed for a relatively painless avenue for Hektor and Hudson to reach the 'docks'.
The day proceeded as uneventful and dull as Hektor knew to anticipate. The waves crashed violently against the rocky spires and throwing spray towards the two city guards, even without the help of the wind. No other soul ventured down, whether humanoid or otherwise. No ships passed by on the waters beyond the rocks. And aside from the crashing waves and dull murmur of the city, the only nonconstant sound was the occasional sea bird, but as they flew overheard, you'd have to practically stare at the sun in an attempt to glimpse one.
The thrilling life of a city guard on patrol at the docks.
By mid afternoon, a new sound broke the 'silence'. The sound of Hudson's stomach rumbling with hunger. He looks over towards Hektor, expectantly and hopefully.
OOC: Price to deduct for fruit (applex2) and balm (aloex2).
Perception: 9
(Anything of interest such as a small boat, a random diver, a particularly nice shell, an odd bird, etc.)
The day crawled by, allowing Hektor to weigh the situation in his mind. Palua-Palua was so far away, now even further being separated by a stretch of hostile land, from the Capital and the busier going ons that even a civil war and a search seemed to be happening somewhere else to someone else. Still, with little to do at his current post, he imagined what sort of events would have to unfold to carry not only some self righteous nobles but the Right Hand and their bannermen to their location. He couldn't think of anything reasonable and for them to even receive a missive meant someone somewhere was at least keeping them in mind. Hektor was loyal to his city. Loyal to the crown? He supposed, he never really put much thought into some ruler he had never seen in some place he had only heard about. His mind turned over these thoughts while his vision scanned the empty docks for anything out of place.
At length, the sound of Hudson's stomach brought his mind to ponder its own stomach's emptiness. It echoed Hudson's. Hektor turned, shrugged the weight of his gear and cracked a small grin at one corner of his mouth. "I do believe it is about time for a meal Hudson, let's make our way to the Pearl." Hektor walked the familiar steps to the tavern, a bit anxious to hear the next tall tale from Pirate Jack and to sample something a bit more exotic than barracks chow.
Exitus Acta Probat
Once back within the city walls proper, the Black Pearl was easily the first building to catch one's eye. However, the only ones that would ever enter the city via that entrance are those who previously left through it, the eye catching tavern was already something of which they'd be aware.
Passing the roped off exterior, there was a circular crowd around a single high table, at which two large men were in a deadlock contest of strength, arm wrestling. The crowd was rowdy; yelling and cheering, but nothing out of hand, at least not yet.
Inside the tavern, it was filled with the lunch rush. People of all sorts, though all being human still, filled the place. And Captain Jack at a table, drink in hand, and definitely not his first, regailing with some tale. "Being drunk and weary I went to Molly's chamber. Takin' my money with me, but I never knew the danger. For about six or maybe seven in walked Captain Farrell. I jumped up, fired off my pistols and I shot him with both barrels." Lifting his glass as he spoke, when it happened to come within eye level and directly in front of him, the Captain became suddenly distracted by it, and his entire demeanor changed to one of confusion. "There's whiskey in this jar-o." He then chugged the swig or two left of his drink and cheered, to be accompanied by the rest of the place, as he returned to the same attitude with which he was story-telling.
There was a bit of standing room at the bar, but if Hektor and Hudson wanted a table, they would have to wait for others to leave. The other patrons consisted primarily have commoners, though one or two couples of individuals dressed in a fancier manner, no noteworthy nobility though. The commoners were likely traders, farmers, craftsmen. Hektor did see a pair of note though; two city guard. A Sergeant and a Corporal. The Corporal, was one that Hektor had seen before but knew nothing of him. The Sergeant however, Hektor at least knew his name, 'Slater', though they had never met. Hektor only knew of him because he heard of Privates that referred to him as 'Sergeant Slaughter'. Both were from the shift before Hektor's and likely had been in that huddle he and Hudson saw from the window, when they first woke.
The Pearl was about as rowdy as he expected for the time of day. Hektor gave a passing glance at the arm wrestling and continued on inside. He shifted his way past some people, pausing to listen to Jack finish his tale. Hektor shook his head with a small chuckle and continued on, pausing when he spied the other guardsmen. "Hudson, grab us a space at the bar there. I will be with you in a moment." He moved on towards his fellow soldiers, standing where he could and nodded a greeting to each.
"Sergeant, Corporal. Hopefully your watch has gone untroubled thus far. What news?"
Exitus Acta Probat
Hudson moved towards the bar as Hektor went to the other two guardsmen.
The Corporal appeared hesitant to respond and immediately looked to the Sergeant. Even had the superior rank not been present, the Corporal's demeanor seemed that he may not have responded otherwise altogether.
Sergeant Slaughter gave a solid nod in response to Hektor, "Sergeant", as he approached, his eyes drifting to Hektor's rank, as if almost confirmationfor what he was saying. When Hektor stood firmly at a stop in front of the two, Slaughter continued the conversation. "We were just discussing the news from the Capital. A split in the royals; the opposition led by the Baron's own sister, Lady Tetra."
Palua-Palua had a newspaper that regularly posted about news from the mainland, and although everyday politics that didn't effect the colony weren't as common, Lady Tetra was among the more widely known of the Berossus bloodline. She and her late husband were particularly popular for their stances of equality among races. They were the type of people who put their money where there mouth's were, having even adopted an orphan elf and raised her as their own daughter.
Lady Tetra was also one of the more influential members of the royal council, though one would have to have a particular interest into that aspect; otherwise, this is just more a reputation she carries for most people. She is generally loved and has even been the one to smooth over situations caused by the Baron, that could possibly have had led to revolution otherwise. The Baron however is the stereotypical stuffy noble, who turns his nose up at everyone, considering himself superior to all other Berossus for being Baron, superior to all other nobles for being a Berossus, superior to all other humans for being a noble, and superior to all other races for being human. But he is the heir of the throne, the purest Berossus blood.
Any Cathaan child who was afforded basic schooling would know that the government of Cathaan was run as such:
The Baron is the highest individual authority, though his primary role is running the capital city. The Kingdom itself is run by a council, at which every blood-member of the Berossus's sits. Every bloodline member of the council votes on policies for the kingdom at large, the only stipulation being that the Baron's votes carries more weight. However, a vast majority is capable of overruling him. A type of checks and balances.
"I hear the Right Hand may even be posted, until it's settled. Tell me, Sergeant. What are your thoughts on the conflict? Should there be a decision to be made, would you follow Lady Tetra, in a position of power?"
More common knowledge that the Kingdom's Right Hand was a position of a non-bloodline lineage with economically gained nobility. The Right Hand is a family line that can be passed down from parent to child, though more often not. The Right Hand successors are chosen either at birth or at a very young age, and raised with some of the greatest and most brutal instructors, teaching them diplomacy, mercantilism, arcane magics, languages, carpentry, hunting, masonry, agriculture, smiting, every conceivable aspect of combat. All of which are just a very short sample of the taught skills. Ultimately the Right Hand is groomed to be able to found, build, expand and maintain an entire kingdom. Thought not to be a jack of all trades, but a master of all. And this Right Hand can be given complete control of the kingdom, by only a simple majority vote of the council.
Hektor glanced for a moment longer at the Corporal before focusing on the Sergeant.
"Lady Tetra, I hadn't realized the schism was at such heights." he paused thinking of any anecdote to recall from his memory. (History) 19 He continued regardless. "I had heard that the Right Hand had been activated, but unless things really get out of hand I doubt the council will anger one side or the other by bypassing them for the Hand. Likely they will divide to either Baron or the Lady, with a few waiting to see where the straw may fall before casting their lot." He idly scratched the corner of his mouth before continuing. "To be honest I hadn't put much thought into following a different distant noble at some place far off from here. I assumed with us being so far removed from the central conflicts we would default to a more self-governed city-state until things were set in the Capital." He looked back to check on Hudson before returning his attention to the Sergeant. "As for the conflict itself..." he shrugged, the motion mimicked by his armor "...nobles fighting is nothing new, less so with family. It will be a saber rattling flex before someone backs down and his forgiven with extended frontier management." He shook his head. "Well, in any event it is too early to say on such matters without more pressing news or evidence, short of a detachment of the Hand or the Noble Council showing up and our superiors being pressed to the task. In any event our duty is to this city and my opinion is that should remain at the forefront of any action we may take."
He motioned to the Sergeant. "Yourself? Any gleanings from anything you've heard?" (Insight) 12
Exitus Acta Probat
Hektor failed to recall anything specific, and the more he spoke, it seemed the less he gleaned from the Sergeant and Corporal, aside from taking them at their word.
"That's all I know through official word. Rumor mill has been spreading that Lady Tetra and he children had to flee the capital; escaping persecution. While you can't necessarily trust sheer hearsay, it does tend to hold nuggets of truth. If she did flee, I wouldn't be surprised if she came here, to escape the Baron's immediate reach."
Hektor nodded in response. "Likely right, though she would have to cross considerable straights just to seek some solace she may not even get." He shrugged. "Time will tell. I'm for a meal. May your watch go untroubled." Hektor nodded his farewell and made his way to where he last saw Hudson.
Exitus Acta Probat
Sergeant Slater nodded in turn, and went back to his discussion with the unnamed Corporal' when Hektor walked away.
Hudson was at the bar and as Hektor approached, a barmaid placed two plates and two wooden cups on the counter.
"Just ordered two lunch specials, Sarge. Said it came with a paired drink."
The plates had some sort of grilled chicken and small skewered sea creatures, along with a pile of oil drenched tomatoes, peppers, olives, and cheese. The liquid in the cup was a new one to Hektor. The color was dark, and the consistency was thick and heavy, though it tasted like a 'spicy tea.
The food had a butteriness to the flavor. Following the meal, Hudson left to go 'relieve himself', however, after about 10 had passed, he still had not returned.
Hektor tucked in, delighted to eat anything with actual flavor to it. The drink was a touch odd, He smelled it before every drink but couldn't quite place the flavor of it exactly. All-in-all he savoured the meal and the drink, not much for chat as the both of them were eating. Hektor nodded at Hudson's leave, taking the time to finish his own meal. A few minutes later he paid, leaving his usual tip, expecting Hudson to return. A few minutes later and the young Private had still not shown up. Hektor sighed, hoping that the City Watchman was just having a go of it in the privy after his meal and not having a go of it with some bar wench.
"Thank you." Hektor stated to a passing barmaid before making his leave. He headed toward the privy area, hoping Hudson would run into him before he ran into Hudson.
Exitus Acta Probat
Heading towards the privy, Hektor spies Hudson prior to reaching his intended destination. Hudson is speaking with the same Sergeant and Corporal that Hektor had approached just before the meal. Hektor happens upon them at the end of some conversation, in which the Sergeant is shaking the Private's hand.
"Sarge, ready to head back?" Hudson calls to Hektor, upon meeting eyes with him.
Hektor shifted his gaze between the Watchmen but nodded his head. "Aye, let me tend to my own business while you hens cluck." He jested, half smiling before taking some privacy.
Internally he sighed, his skin felt like it was crawling for a moment. As if others were sizing up a mark before it was a corpse. Lines were being drawn on a board with unknown and unknowable borders beyond the edge of the map. Who dares may win, but at what cost right or wrong?
Relieved, Hektor washed and returned to where the others last were, ready to resume the watch on the sand of the beach.
Exitus Acta Probat