The three men seem unimpressed by Famhs queries but one ventures, " We came up that way but nae, we saw nought. But then we weren't on the look out for livestock either, perhaps they simply startled and wandered off?"
( Famh notes their closed off body language and their manner makes it seem they have no wish to discuss anything any further with herself or Thatch.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from letting her disappointment show, Famh switches tactics and tries the other verbal arrow she had fully thought out in what is increasingly appearing to her a rather slender quiver.
"Are ye sure ye saw naucht at aw? We've found at least ane clew thon the herd's no behind. Here... let me shew ye." Opening her pack, she lets the gravat plainly show; but digs past it as if she were seeking something else -- making sure even more of it becomes visible with every dig and fumble.
=========
Intimidation (to startle them into unintended revelation) 14
Investigation (to pick up other clues than hat) 21(WIP)
(and w. a 22 I am NOT going back to edit out that WIP. just cnsdr it annulled LOL)
=========
EDIT: ... except that I just hovered over it and instead of the d20+2 I am mortally certain I typed in, it says "d11+11". Do you want me to reroll that, D_M? Or does Sir Almeric's 18 render it moot enough anyway that you'd prefer not to clutter up w. an extra post?
Almeric moves in from the threshold of the stables from where he was loitering, to step beside Famh. His eyes fixed on the young men, he takes the simple piece of cloth from Famh in one hand while holding the drum with the other.
Striding upto these men, he stands closer than is polite, allowing them to smell the drum. Seaweed, cured leather and death. "Three or four men a year die during the winter watch. Some freeze to death on the ramparts, with narry a mark on them. Some just disappear. Some are reduced to piles if offal by a great beast. Men like you.
Speak of this cloth and the girl that wore it. Now!"
Ori seeing the conversation isn't going as smoothly as he was hoping, noticed the brash Almeric step forward with the authority. Guessing Almeric was going to skip any sort of pleasantries, Ori made a point to step up behind him steppingto the slide slightly. He decides to leave the club down for the moment but wanting to appear looming behind Almeric as he interrogated these men.
Vardi stands at the back, watching and listening in silence, hands resting on her hips in a stance that does not offer any threat of violence, but does promise to meet it coming should it arrive. Unblinking in her stare as the great cat sitting on her shoulders, she keeps guard while others with greater skill than her sort truth from lie, and instead notes the ways in and out of the room.
Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from letting her disappointment show, Famh switches tactics and tries the other verbal arrow she had fully thought out in what is increasingly appearing to her a rather slender quiver.
"Are ye sure ye saw naucht at aw? We've found at least ane clew thon the herd's no behind. Here... let me shew ye." Opening her pack, she lets the gravat plainly show; but digs past it as if she were seeking something else -- making sure even more of it becomes visible with every dig and fumble.
=========
Intimidation (to startle them into unintended revelation) 22
Investigation (to pick up other clues than hat) 10(WIP)
Almeric moves in from the threshold of the stables from where he was loitering, to step beside Famh. His eyes fixed on the young men, he takes the simple piece of cloth from Famh in one hand while holding the drum with the other.
Striding upto these men, he stands closer than is polite, allowing them to smell the drum. Seaweed, cured leather and death. "Three or four men a year die during the winter watch. Some freeze to death on the ramparts, with narry a mark on them. Some just disappear. Some are reduced to piles if offal by a great beast. Men like you.
Speak of this cloth and the girl that wore it. Now!"
Intimidation 18 (Adv)
The three young men are obviously deeply discomforted by Famh and the sight of the cloth, but after a pause the tallest begins recovering and his confidence seems to bolster the MacFhearchair lad Almeric spoke with the previous night....the shortest and youngest of the group still looks discombobulated when Almeric storms up and scatters their resolve once more.
The youngest let out a sort of strangled bleat and the older men at the rear of the room took the opportunity to get up and remove themselves from whatever was happening.
" Sir Almeric! We...at least I....", the MacFhearchair lad sputtered.
" Sir Knight, Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers at your service. We are well aware of the dangers of posting Winterwatch, undoubtedly dangers that will prove our mettle and repay the small debts we owe Duke Carnasse and our families.", uttered the tallest with a slight sniff in Famhs direction.
" A girl? Wait...ah, yes there was a woman who I recall was wearing a similar snatch of cloth near some hill village.....quite wanton if i recall. Of course we were fixed upon our destination and ignored any unseemly invitations."
Try as she might Famh could not determine what was truth and what was lies but her instincts made their own decisions. For his part Almeric could determine that the lads were intimidated by Famh and himself but could not definitively focus on the reason for their discomfort though as with Famh he may well make his own determination.
Ori seeing the conversation isn't going as smoothly as he was hoping, noticed the brash Almeric step forward with the authority. Guessing Almeric was going to skip any sort of pleasantries, Ori made a point to step up behind him steppingto the slide slightly. He decides to leave the club down for the moment but wanting to appear looming behind Almeric as he interrogated these men.
Ori was used to reading crowds and making determinations....the two others were pompous boys from too much money....the youngest might be worth leaning on.....
Vardi stands at the back, watching and listening in silence, hands resting on her hips in a stance that does not offer any threat of violence, but does promise to meet it coming should it arrive. Unblinking in her stare as the great cat sitting on her shoulders, she keeps guard while others with greater skill than her sort truth from lie, and instead notes the ways in and out of the room.
Skoggi watched the older men filter out past Vardi and make themselves scarce. Vardi looked the lads over, unblooded striplings....she'd bloodied more than a few of them in her teens when they hadn't known their place.
Almeric glares at the three lads, steely-eyed. He does not give them any courtesy due to any perceived rank. In truth they don't have any. Almeric steps back, tossing the cloth to Famh, to allow him space to free and swing his weapon. He does NOT draw, but the motion is unmistakable to any with martial training. The clear body language is designed to intimidate the boys further and give a direct signal to Ori and Vardi of a shift in his intent. Almeric abandons all pretence now and prepares for action. The Capellar sincerely hopes that Ori and Vardi will match his moves and Famh does not. If Famh reacts, it could be over very quickly.
"She not very wanton now, dead at the bottom of a well with her skull caved in. Is that what I should tell her father? A wanton whore better off dead!
What do they do to Reavers in these parts for that? Castration? Hanging?
Is that how you would honour your families and repay the Duke? Your names would be scratched out the Family Rolls!
There were four riders come from Beltayne. Who else rode with you? Speak clear and sincere or there with be consequences."
Vardi notes the older men leaving the room, noting where they exit, and their faces but not barring their way, as they are not the ones to be hunted this morn. As the last of them slide off in haste, the big lass glances about the emptied room, then moves closer as Ser Almeric strides forward towards the trio of young men in great sternness, as if Famh were a hound pointing at a brace of hidden hares.
She stands close to the knight, and Sergeant Ori, a predatory watchfulness in her gaze when the one who names himself "Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers" speaks ill of a lady in her hearing. While her casual stance does not change, her feline companion shifts on her shoulders as if to better study this strange new prey his mistress seems so intent in stalking.
OOC: Vardi makes a History check on the Beltayne Frasers, for a total of 18.
Ori figures Mr. Heirloom and his too knowing tounge was going to speak for the group and not let Almeric interrogate the young lad who appears to know something. Well need to take him out of the picture. "Ah you see Sir Almeric, you heard the lad, nothing more to it then aye." Ori sets down the large club leaning against a support, in clear view. He steps around Almeric and puts his arm around the shoulders of Cameron Fraser. "So you say you saw this lass in town aye?" He will attempt to turn him away from the others and star leading him away. "You get a good look at her, I hear she wasn't the worst on the eyes before..." Ori will attempt to move Fraser away and engaged in some sort of random conversation so that the rest of the group can focus on the other 2.
" Aye, that's them. Four lads out o' Beltayne....likely a bit o' mischief go'them o' bad side of sommun. And so oop ta Marrowglen they come, eh, keeps em out o' mischief and means I dinnae need freeze me parts off on the wall at night."
" We'll see how they go.....some find their way....others...nae so'mae."
"Huh, sorry to hear they've likely drawn the rotten apple this time around. We'll help keep an eye on them while we're around town. It sounds like you've had some other problems keeping your hands full. Any information you want to pass along, things maybe only the front liners like you would understand?"
" Hmm? Oh, aye. Some trouble oop norr, Reavers or some such....though who knows...back in my grandfathers grandfathers day they reckoned they saw all sorts of things. Nae noo though, nary a Cold Wyrm or Famhairean in sight.....thank the Saints."
" Tips yer wanting........hmmm....if ye dra the short straw and must needs sit watch on the walls dinnae follow the lights....sounds daft but sometimes ye'll see wee little lamps out on the moorland along the ridgeline. Dinnae head after em."
" And don't get too close to the outside of the wall dead nor'east of the manor.....thats where they empty the pots."
"Many thanks, I'll be sure to avoid the lights and the ... waste. I also thank all of you for your hospitality! I should probably be off to join my companions, then hopefully to get some rest. Which way was it to the stables, errr, barracks?"Cainneach listens intently, as his mind is still foggy with fatigue, nodding along while mentally constructing a map based on the veteran's directions. "Fantastic, see you around soon." He extends a hand to the grizzled soldier, then leaves after a stout handshake, calling Salt to his side.
After reaching his destination, Cainneach catches the tail end of Almeric and Ori's words and sneaks a glimpse of the scene through a window. The forester grimaces at the situation and elects to wait outside and see if Ori is able to successfully detach his mark from the other would-be Watchmen.
The three young men are obviously deeply discomforted by Famh and the sight of the cloth, but after a pause the tallest begins recovering and his confidence seems to bolster the MacFhearchair lad Almeric spoke with the previous night....the shortest and youngest of the group still looks discombobulated when Almeric storms up and scatters their resolve once more.
The youngest let out a sort of strangled bleat and the older men at the rear of the room took the opportunity to get up and remove themselves from whatever was happening.
" Sir Almeric! We...at least I....", the MacFhearchair lad sputtered.
" Sir Knight, Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers at your service. We are well aware of the dangers of posting Winterwatch, undoubtedly dangers that will prove our mettle and repay the small debts we owe Duke Carnasse and our families.", uttered the tallest with a slight sniff in Famhs direction.
" A girl? Wait...ah, yes there was a woman who I recall was wearing a similar snatch of cloth near some hill village.....quite wanton if i recall. Of course we were fixed upon our destination and ignored any unseemly invitations."
Try as she might Famh could not determine what was truth and what was lies but her instincts made their own decisions. For his part Almeric could determine that the lads were intimidated by Famh and himself but could not definitively focus on the reason for their discomfort though as with Famh he may well make his own determination.
Ori seeing the conversation isn't going as smoothly as he was hoping, noticed the brash Almeric step forward with the authority. Guessing Almeric was going to skip any sort of pleasantries, Ori made a point to step up behind him steppingto the slide slightly. He decides to leave the club down for the moment but wanting to appear looming behind Almeric as he interrogated these men.
Ori was used to reading crowds and making determinations....the two others were pompous boys from too much money....the youngest might be worth leaning on.....
Vardi stands at the back, watching and listening in silence, hands resting on her hips in a stance that does not offer any threat of violence, but does promise to meet it coming should it arrive. Unblinking in her stare as the great cat sitting on her shoulders, she keeps guard while others with greater skill than her sort truth from lie, and instead notes the ways in and out of the room.
Skoggi watched the older men filter out past Vardi and make themselves scarce. Vardi looked the lads over, unblooded striplings....she'd bloodied more than a few of them in her teens when they hadn't known their place.
Almeric glares at the three lads, steely-eyed. He does not give them any courtesy due to any perceived rank. In truth they don't have any. Almeric steps back, tossing the cloth to Famh, to allow him space to free and swing his weapon. He does NOT draw, but the motion is unmistakable to any with martial training. The clear body language is designed to intimidate the boys further and give a direct signal to Ori and Vardi of a shift in his intent. Almeric abandons all pretence now and prepares for action. The Capellar sincerely hopes that Ori and Vardi will match his moves and Famh does not. If Famh reacts, it could be over very quickly.
"She not very wanton now, dead at the bottom of a well with her skull caved in. Is that what I should tell her father? A wanton whore better off dead!
What do they do to Reavers in these parts for that? Castration? Hanging?
Is that how you would honour your families and repay the Duke? Your names would be scratched out the Family Rolls!
There were four riders come from Beltayne. Who else rode with you? Speak clear and sincere or there with be consequences."
Intimidation 12 (Adv)
Keeping her eyes fixed on the lad who reacted most strongly ... the youngest ... Famh reaches to catch the cloth Sir Almeric tossed back to her without looking (Acrobatics 11). Even if she misses, she will not bend to pick the cloth up, but will continue to gaze into the young man's eye with a sad, a solemn ... maybe even a grave look of deep disappointment. The disdainful Cameron Fraser she dismisses in turn from her own mind, turning from him as soon as she hears his sniff and concentrating on the other. Other than that, she will do whatever she can to Help Sir Almeric's interrogation by speechor silence.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric glares at the three lads, steely-eyed. He does not give them any courtesy due to any perceived rank. In truth they don't have any. Almeric steps back, tossing the cloth to Famh, to allow him space to free and swing his weapon. He does NOT draw, but the motion is unmistakable to any with martial training. The clear body language is designed to intimidate the boys further and give a direct signal to Ori and Vardi of a shift in his intent. Almeric abandons all pretence now and prepares for action. The Capellar sincerely hopes that Ori and Vardi will match his moves and Famh does not. If Famh reacts, it could be over very quickly.
"She not very wanton now, dead at the bottom of a well with her skull caved in. Is that what I should tell her father? A wanton whore better off dead!
What do they do to Reavers in these parts for that? Castration? Hanging?
Is that how you would honour your families and repay the Duke? Your names would be scratched out the Family Rolls!
There were four riders come from Beltayne. Who else rode with you? Speak clear and sincere or there with be consequences."
Intimidation 12 (Adv)
Fraser and the youngster stumble backwards apparently fully believing they are about to be struck down, but the lad Sir Almeric spoke with the night before stands his ground and steps slightly forward even as he takes in Vardi and Ori at Almerics side.
There is a horrendous stench as the youngest visibly loses control of his bowels and falls to the ground whimpering, Fraser keeps it together better but raises his hand to shield his face.
But the MacFhearchair lad seems to have found some spine after being pushed into the corner and there is a shrewd look upon his face.
" Tell her father whatever fanciful tale you wish, it won't change the fact that you have no evidence of wrongdoing let alone our involvement....otherwise you would not have been sniffing after scraps last night, Sir Knight."
His face is flushed but his teeth are gritted and jaw tight, " Reavers? You'd need ask the Sheriff about that. Sheriff Brunn, our commander."
" I doubt very much you have the influence over our families that you seem to believe you do.....the Merchant Families control the majority of trade out of Beltayne and even Duke Carnasse is careful not to push things too much. Besides....even if we were guilty, which we certainly are not, no one is going to lose a wink of sleep over some hill farmer whose wandered off."
He stepped in front of Fraser and looked Sir Almeric up and down, " This is nothing but idle threats and bluster.....and perhaps a touch of guilt for the atrocities you yourself performed in Outremer."
" Strike us down if you wish, Sir Knight. But know if you do it will be an unlawful killing and you and your motley will be the ones hanging from a gibbet."
Every muscle in the lads body was tensed and hard, he remained stock still where he stood almost vibrating with tension.
Vardi notes the older men leaving the room, noting where they exit, and their faces but not barring their way, as they are not the ones to be hunted this morn. As the last of them slide off in haste, the big lass glances about the emptied room, then moves closer as Ser Almeric strides forward towards the trio of young men in great sternness, as if Famh were a hound pointing at a brace of hidden hares.
She stands close to the knight, and Sergeant Ori, a predatory watchfulness in her gaze when the one who names himself "Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers" speaks ill of a lady in her hearing. While her casual stance does not change, her feline companion shifts on her shoulders as if to better study this strange new prey his mistress seems so intent in stalking.
OOC: Vardi makes a History check on the Beltayne Frasers, for a total of 18.
Vardi has heard the family name many times due to the families merchant vessels being frequent and lucrative visitors to Katorheim, they are shrewd and ruthless business folk.
Ori figures Mr. Heirloom and his too knowing tounge was going to speak for the group and not let Almeric interrogate the young lad who appears to know something. Well need to take him out of the picture. "Ah you see Sir Almeric, you heard the lad, nothing more to it then aye." Ori sets down the large club leaning against a support, in clear view. He steps around Almeric and puts his arm around the shoulders of Cameron Fraser. "So you say you saw this lass in town aye?" He will attempt to turn him away from the others and star leading him away. "You get a good look at her, I hear she wasn't the worst on the eyes before..." Ori will attempt to move Fraser away and engaged in some sort of random conversation so that the rest of the group can focus on the other 2.
Ori manages to move up beside MacFhearchair and Fraser and cut them off from the bawling, soiled mess on the floor.....
The three young men are obviously deeply discomforted by Famh and the sight of the cloth, but after a pause the tallest begins recovering and his confidence seems to bolster the MacFhearchair lad Almeric spoke with the previous night....the shortest and youngest of the group still looks discombobulated when Almeric storms up and scatters their resolve once more.
The youngest let out a sort of strangled bleat and the older men at the rear of the room took the opportunity to get up and remove themselves from whatever was happening.
" Sir Almeric! We...at least I....", the MacFhearchair lad sputtered.
" Sir Knight, Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers at your service. We are well aware of the dangers of posting Winterwatch, undoubtedly dangers that will prove our mettle and repay the small debts we owe Duke Carnasse and our families.", uttered the tallest with a slight sniff in Famhs direction.
" A girl? Wait...ah, yes there was a woman who I recall was wearing a similar snatch of cloth near some hill village.....quite wanton if i recall. Of course we were fixed upon our destination and ignored any unseemly invitations."
Try as she might Famh could not determine what was truth and what was lies but her instincts made their own decisions. For his part Almeric could determine that the lads were intimidated by Famh and himself but could not definitively focus on the reason for their discomfort though as with Famh he may well make his own determination.
Ori seeing the conversation isn't going as smoothly as he was hoping, noticed the brash Almeric step forward with the authority. Guessing Almeric was going to skip any sort of pleasantries, Ori made a point to step up behind him steppingto the slide slightly. He decides to leave the club down for the moment but wanting to appear looming behind Almeric as he interrogated these men.
Ori was used to reading crowds and making determinations....the two others were pompous boys from too much money....the youngest might be worth leaning on.....
Vardi stands at the back, watching and listening in silence, hands resting on her hips in a stance that does not offer any threat of violence, but does promise to meet it coming should it arrive. Unblinking in her stare as the great cat sitting on her shoulders, she keeps guard while others with greater skill than her sort truth from lie, and instead notes the ways in and out of the room.
Skoggi watched the older men filter out past Vardi and make themselves scarce. Vardi looked the lads over, unblooded striplings....she'd bloodied more than a few of them in her teens when they hadn't known their place.
Almeric glares at the three lads, steely-eyed. He does not give them any courtesy due to any perceived rank. In truth they don't have any. Almeric steps back, tossing the cloth to Famh, to allow him space to free and swing his weapon. He does NOT draw, but the motion is unmistakable to any with martial training. The clear body language is designed to intimidate the boys further and give a direct signal to Ori and Vardi of a shift in his intent. Almeric abandons all pretence now and prepares for action. The Capellar sincerely hopes that Ori and Vardi will match his moves and Famh does not. If Famh reacts, it could be over very quickly.
"She not very wanton now, dead at the bottom of a well with her skull caved in. Is that what I should tell her father? A wanton whore better off dead!
What do they do to Reavers in these parts for that? Castration? Hanging?
Is that how you would honour your families and repay the Duke? Your names would be scratched out the Family Rolls!
There were four riders come from Beltayne. Who else rode with you? Speak clear and sincere or there with be consequences."
Intimidation 12 (Adv)
Keeping her eyes fixed on the lad who reacted most strongly ... the youngest ... Famh reaches to catch the cloth Sir Almeric tossed back to her without looking (Acrobatics 22). Even if she misses, she will not bend to pick the cloth up, but will continue to gaze into the young man's eye with a sad, a solemn ... maybe even a grave look of deep disappointment. The disdainful Cameron Fraser she dismisses in turn from her own mind, turning from him as soon as she hears his sniff and concentrating on the other. Other than that, she will do whatever she can to Help Sir Almeric's interrogation by speech or silence.
Famh is not expecting the MacFhearchair lad to take up the torch dropped in fear by the Fraser lad and to wield it with confidence that seemed beyond him only moments ago, it sets her temporarily on the back foot.....
Vardi stands still as a menhir in daylight, keeping her temper in check lest Skuggavardi take it as an excuse to take offense himself, and thinks on who answers to who in the game of pulling rank. The big lass concludes that as King's Woman, in this matter, she is the equal of any wet behind-the-ears wealthy lordling, let alone one who is already likely to be in disgrace if he's been posted to Sheriff Brun's command.
That in mind, she steps forward, putting herself between Ser Almeric and MacFhearchair. She lifts her hands and turns them palms upward as she says in a calm, almost amused tone "It is nay Ser Almeric that is being asked ta explain themselves here, laddie, nor is it Sherrif Brun or yer fathers tha' ye will be answering ta over it. Now I suggest ye find yer manners sharpish, and answer truthfully this time."
She leans down, and adds in deadly seriousness "I am Vardi Hrosskelda, King's Woman, and lying ta me is tha same in tha eyes of tha law as lying ta the King himself. I trust ye nay seek ta undermine tha authority of tha Crown Of Thurland?"
OOC: Should have rolled before for this, and I'm not quite sure what skill it is that I'm rolling for, but as Vardi has no bonuses to to any of the relevant skills I can think of like Intimidate, Persuade or Performance, I hope 20 is enough to do it.
Almeric's grimace turns into a wide sneer, as the power of the Draugr Drum flickers across his face. Staring, unblinking at MacFhearchair, Almeric visibly relaxes his body language, flicking his head to Ori in conversation. "Oh, I like him! I thought there was something different about him, but now I'm sure. Perhaps we can work together."
Facing MacFhearchair again. "Get your mate cleaned up. We'll talk again later." Intimidation = 13 ADV (Mind Games/De-Escalation)
Almeric turn slowly, speaking briefly with Ori before leaving the Stables. "Sergeant, rest the Retinue, then we head north. I will be with Sir Robert if you need me."
Exiting the stables, Almeric replaces the Dum carefully in his backpack and returns to the great hall. Once gone, the others are at their own recognisance once more. At the Great Hall, Almeric will speak with Sir Robert, try to gain as much information as possible about the incidents to the north, reassuring the Sheriff they will leave soon.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The confident replies of Vardi and Sir Almeric have given Famh time to adjust to the MacFhearchair lad's newfound assurance; and as she feels she can't add much to them in the way of worldly jurisdiction and authority, she doesn't. At first she says no words at all, but turns her gaze upon this new object of attention and gazes unblinkingly at him while the other two are talking.
As the Capellar departs to speak with Sir Robert, though, Famh remembers that there is an Authority she holds herself sworn to the service of; and that all these lads are likely to have at least mouthed their professions of loyalty to that same Authority at some time in the past ... if not in the person of His vicar the Bishop, then at least of their family confessor or village priest. She looks MacFhearchair in the eye with a calm, steady gaze even as the rest of her body slowly turns to go. Guessing it was her rough dialect as well as her fey appearance that had provoked Fraser's sniff, she shades back towards standard Elleslandic to deal with his companion. "'Tis true that we have no sure proof, perhaps. But in your own soul ye know the truth. And I think if ye were entirely innocent ye'd have shown a bit more concern and less bluster. 'Not a sparrow falleth to the ground but He marketh it ... ' ... even if she was but a hill farmer. And are ye not sworn to protect allDuke Carnasse's farmers so long as ye're on the Watch? From what I saw of the Duke when he had the kindness and nobility to honour our retinue and our Baron at dinner, I don't think he'd take well at all to your unconcern. And I don't think that's your best self speaking either. Think it over before our knight returns."
To the whimpering mess on the floor that she had initially mistaken for a hardened criminal, all she says as she departs to seek much needed rest is, "It's not too late. Our knight's no as terrible as he seems ... he kens Gatanades'mercy as well as his wrath." Then,, a sudden instinct ... or perhaps just a guess ... makes her murmur just as she turns away and walks out the door, "Did you love her? Even a bit? Is that why ...?" She says no more, but sighs and starts back to the hall to see where quarters might have been arranged for the women of the retinue.
=========
Persuasion (MacFhearchair) 21
Persuasion (youngest lad) 17
Insight (did the youngest lad have feelings for Morag?) 5
Thatch moves up silently behind and to the side of the group as Sir Almeric puts on his show of force. One hand slips toward the hilt of his gladius as it looks like there will be a fight. But as the youngest guard falls to the floor weeping and Sir Almeric turns away, Thatch leans down to help the poor lad up to his feet. Why he couldn’t be much younger than Thatch was when he first set out from the stables. “Come now, mate. Let’s get you cleaned up. The good knight’s bark is worse than his bite tonight it seems.”Thatch leads the lad out of the mess on the floor and out toward the barrel outside to get cleaned up. “Though if you did see the lass they are talking about or anything on the way in you should tell them.”
Vardi stands still as a menhir in daylight, keeping her temper in check lest Skuggavardi take it as an excuse to take offense himself, and thinks on who answers to who in the game of pulling rank. The big lass concludes that as King's Woman, in this matter, she is the equal of any wet behind-the-ears wealthy lordling, let alone one who is already likely to be in disgrace if he's been posted to Sheriff Brun's command.
That in mind, she steps forward, putting herself between Ser Almeric and MacFhearchair. She lifts her hands and turns them palms upward as she says in a calm, almost amused tone "It is nay Ser Almeric that is being asked ta explain themselves here, laddie, nor is it Sherrif Brun or yer fathers tha' ye will be answering ta over it. Now I suggest ye find yer manners sharpish, and answer truthfully this time."
She leans down, and adds in deadly seriousness "I am Vardi Hrosskelda, King's Woman, and lying ta me is tha same in tha eyes of tha law as lying ta the King himself. I trust ye nay seek ta undermine tha authority of tha Crown Of Thurland?"
OOC: Should have rolled before for this, and I'm not quite sure what skill it is that I'm rolling for, but as Vardi has no bonuses to to any of the relevant skills I can think of like Intimidate, Persuade or Performance, I hope 20 is enough to do it.
Vardis forceful statement has a significant effect, not the least of which is to further collapse the Dochartaigh lad until he has absolutely no resistance to the others bringing him aside.
Her appeal to the authority of the King does seem to give the other two pause but rather than loosening their tongues they simple resolve to stop speaking altogether to avoid any further interaction......but it is certainly a thread to be picked up later.....which she is rather glad of as sleep is beckoning fast.
Almeric's grimace turns into a wide sneer, as the power of the Draugr Drum flickers across his face. Staring, unblinking at MacFhearchair, Almeric visibly relaxes his body language, flicking his head to Ori in conversation. "Oh, I like him! I thought there was something different about him, but now I'm sure. Perhaps we can work together."
Facing MacFhearchair again. "Get your mate cleaned up. We'll talk again later." Intimidation = 13 ADV (Mind Games/De-Escalation)
Almeric turn slowly, speaking briefly with Ori before leaving the Stables. "Sergeant, rest the Retinue, then we head north. I will be with Sir Robert if you need me."
Exiting the stables, Almeric replaces the Drum carefully in his backpack and returns to the great hall. Once gone, the others are at their own recognisance once more. At the Great Hall, Almeric will speak with Sir Robert, try to gain as much information as possible about the incidents to the north, reassuring the Sheriff they will leave soon.
After speaking with Ori Almeric turned and left leaving two of the three rather flummoxed as to what had just happened.....
Sheriff Brunn advises Almeric to head north on the Lords road until it fades and to speak with a hillsteader by the name of Rory Mor whose broch sits on a hilltop just past the end of the road about two days north.
The confident replies of Vardi and Sir Almeric have given Famh time to adjust to the MacFhearchair lad's newfound assurance; and as she feels she can't add much to them in the way of worldly jurisdiction and authority, she doesn't. At first she says no words at all, but turns her gaze upon this new object of attention and gazes unblinkingly at him while the other two are talking.
As the Capellar departs to speak with Sir Robert, though, Famh remembers that there is an Authority she holds herself sworn to the service of; and that all these lads are likely to have at least mouthed their professions of loyalty to that same Authority at some time in the past ... if not in the person of His vicar the Bishop, then at least of their family confessor or village priest. She looks MacFhearchair in the eye with a calm, steady gaze even as the rest of her body slowly turns to go. Guessing it was her rough dialect as well as her fey appearance that had provoked Fraser's sniff, she shades back towards standard Elleslandic to deal with his companion. "'Tis true that we have no sure proof, perhaps. But in your own soul ye know the truth. And I think if ye were entirely innocent ye'd have shown a bit more concern and less bluster. 'Not a sparrow falleth to the ground but He marketh it ... ' ... even if she was but a hill farmer. And are ye not sworn to protect allDuke Carnasse's farmers so long as ye're on the Watch? From what I saw of the Duke when he had the kindness and nobility to honour our retinue and our Baron at dinner, I don't think he'd take well at all to your unconcern. And I don't think that's your best self speaking either. Think it over before our knight returns."
To the whimpering mess on the floor that she had initially mistaken for a hardened criminal, all she says as she departs to seek much needed rest is, "It's not too late. Our knight's no as terrible as he seems ... he kens Gatanades'mercy as well as his wrath." Then,, a sudden instinct ... or perhaps just a guess ... makes her murmur just as she turns away and walks out the door, "Did you love her? Even a bit? Is that why ...?" She says no more, but sighs and starts back to the hall to see where quarters might have been arranged for the women of the retinue.
=========
Persuasion (MacFhearchair) 6
Persuasion (youngest lad) 22
Insight (did the youngest lad have feelings for Morag?) 7
Whilst her words seem to have no effect on the other two, Dochartaigh meets her eyes and composes himself momentarily and gives a slight nod....though Famh cannot tell exactly which query or statement he is agreeing with.
Thatch moves up silently behind and to the side of the group as Sir Almeric puts on his show of force. One hand slips toward the hilt of his gladius as it looks like there will be a fight. But as the youngest guard falls to the floor weeping and Sir Almeric turns away, Thatch leans down to help the poor lad up to his feet. Why he couldn’t be much younger than Thatch was when he first set out from the stables. “Come now, mate. Let’s get you cleaned up. The good knight’s bark is worse than his bite tonight it seems.”Thatch leads the lad out of the mess on the floor and out toward the barrel outside to get cleaned up. “Though if you did see the lass they are talking about or anything on the way in you should tell them.”
With Famh and Thatchs kind voices seemingly allowing the boy to become a little more composed he is led out by Thatch, with Ori and Vardi closing off the rear as they follow Famh out, they note Cainneach waiting without having exchanged nods with Almeric on his way to Sheriff Brunn.
As the youngster began to wash himself, the two within began a furious whispered conversation and a contagious yawn circled around the companions.....the sun was rising higher and beds were beckoning.
( If enquiring within the manor there are five rooms put aside for the companions. Sir Almeric has one, the other four are up for grabs. )
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The three men seem unimpressed by Famhs queries but one ventures, " We came up that way but nae, we saw nought. But then we weren't on the look out for livestock either, perhaps they simply startled and wandered off?"
( Famh notes their closed off body language and their manner makes it seem they have no wish to discuss anything any further with herself or Thatch.)
Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from letting her disappointment show, Famh switches tactics and tries the other verbal arrow she had fully thought out in what is increasingly appearing to her a rather slender quiver.
"Are ye sure ye saw naucht at aw? We've found at least ane clew thon the herd's no behind. Here... let me shew ye." Opening her pack, she lets the gravat plainly show; but digs past it as if she were seeking something else -- making sure even more of it becomes visible with every dig and fumble.
=========
Intimidation (to startle them into unintended revelation) 14
Investigation (to pick up other clues than hat) 21(WIP)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(and w. a 22 I am NOT going back to edit out that WIP. just cnsdr it annulled LOL)
=========
EDIT: ... except that I just hovered over it and instead of the d20+2 I am mortally certain I typed in, it says "d11+11". Do you want me to reroll that, D_M? Or does Sir Almeric's 18 render it moot enough anyway that you'd prefer not to clutter up w. an extra post?
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric moves in from the threshold of the stables from where he was loitering, to step beside Famh. His eyes fixed on the young men, he takes the simple piece of cloth from Famh in one hand while holding the drum with the other.
Striding upto these men, he stands closer than is polite, allowing them to smell the drum. Seaweed, cured leather and death. "Three or four men a year die during the winter watch. Some freeze to death on the ramparts, with narry a mark on them. Some just disappear. Some are reduced to piles if offal by a great beast. Men like you.
Speak of this cloth and the girl that wore it. Now!"
Intimidation 18 (Adv)
Ori seeing the conversation isn't going as smoothly as he was hoping, noticed the brash Almeric step forward with the authority. Guessing Almeric was going to skip any sort of pleasantries, Ori made a point to step up behind him steppingto the slide slightly. He decides to leave the club down for the moment but wanting to appear looming behind Almeric as he interrogated these men.
Vardi stands at the back, watching and listening in silence, hands resting on her hips in a stance that does not offer any threat of violence, but does promise to meet it coming should it arrive. Unblinking in her stare as the great cat sitting on her shoulders, she keeps guard while others with greater skill than her sort truth from lie, and instead notes the ways in and out of the room.
( MacFhearchair- 9, Fraser- 12, Dochartaigh- 10 )
The three young men are obviously deeply discomforted by Famh and the sight of the cloth, but after a pause the tallest begins recovering and his confidence seems to bolster the MacFhearchair lad Almeric spoke with the previous night....the shortest and youngest of the group still looks discombobulated when Almeric storms up and scatters their resolve once more.
The youngest let out a sort of strangled bleat and the older men at the rear of the room took the opportunity to get up and remove themselves from whatever was happening.
" Sir Almeric! We...at least I....", the MacFhearchair lad sputtered.
" A girl? Wait...ah, yes there was a woman who I recall was wearing a similar snatch of cloth near some hill village.....quite wanton if i recall. Of course we were fixed upon our destination and ignored any unseemly invitations."
Try as she might Famh could not determine what was truth and what was lies but her instincts made their own decisions. For his part Almeric could determine that the lads were intimidated by Famh and himself but could not definitively focus on the reason for their discomfort though as with Famh he may well make his own determination.
Ori was used to reading crowds and making determinations....the two others were pompous boys from too much money....the youngest might be worth leaning on.....
Skoggi watched the older men filter out past Vardi and make themselves scarce. Vardi looked the lads over, unblooded striplings....she'd bloodied more than a few of them in her teens when they hadn't known their place.
Almeric glares at the three lads, steely-eyed. He does not give them any courtesy due to any perceived rank. In truth they don't have any. Almeric steps back, tossing the cloth to Famh, to allow him space to free and swing his weapon. He does NOT draw, but the motion is unmistakable to any with martial training. The clear body language is designed to intimidate the boys further and give a direct signal to Ori and Vardi of a shift in his intent. Almeric abandons all pretence now and prepares for action. The Capellar sincerely hopes that Ori and Vardi will match his moves and Famh does not. If Famh reacts, it could be over very quickly.
"She not very wanton now, dead at the bottom of a well with her skull caved in. Is that what I should tell her father? A wanton whore better off dead!
What do they do to Reavers in these parts for that? Castration? Hanging?
Is that how you would honour your families and repay the Duke? Your names would be scratched out the Family Rolls!
There were four riders come from Beltayne. Who else rode with you? Speak clear and sincere or there with be consequences."
Intimidation 12 (Adv)
Vardi notes the older men leaving the room, noting where they exit, and their faces but not barring their way, as they are not the ones to be hunted this morn. As the last of them slide off in haste, the big lass glances about the emptied room, then moves closer as Ser Almeric strides forward towards the trio of young men in great sternness, as if Famh were a hound pointing at a brace of hidden hares.
She stands close to the knight, and Sergeant Ori, a predatory watchfulness in her gaze when the one who names himself "Cameron Fraser of the Beltayne Frasers" speaks ill of a lady in her hearing. While her casual stance does not change, her feline companion shifts on her shoulders as if to better study this strange new prey his mistress seems so intent in stalking.
OOC: Vardi makes a History check on the Beltayne Frasers, for a total of 18.
Ori figures Mr. Heirloom and his too knowing tounge was going to speak for the group and not let Almeric interrogate the young lad who appears to know something. Well need to take him out of the picture. "Ah you see Sir Almeric, you heard the lad, nothing more to it then aye." Ori sets down the large club leaning against a support, in clear view. He steps around Almeric and puts his arm around the shoulders of Cameron Fraser. "So you say you saw this lass in town aye?" He will attempt to turn him away from the others and star leading him away. "You get a good look at her, I hear she wasn't the worst on the eyes before..." Ori will attempt to move Fraser away and engaged in some sort of random conversation so that the rest of the group can focus on the other 2.
"Many thanks, I'll be sure to avoid the lights and the ... waste. I also thank all of you for your hospitality! I should probably be off to join my companions, then hopefully to get some rest. Which way was it to the stables, errr, barracks?" Cainneach listens intently, as his mind is still foggy with fatigue, nodding along while mentally constructing a map based on the veteran's directions. "Fantastic, see you around soon." He extends a hand to the grizzled soldier, then leaves after a stout handshake, calling Salt to his side.
After reaching his destination, Cainneach catches the tail end of Almeric and Ori's words and sneaks a glimpse of the scene through a window. The forester grimaces at the situation and elects to wait outside and see if Ori is able to successfully detach his mark from the other would-be Watchmen.
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Keeping her eyes fixed on the lad who reacted most strongly ... the youngest ... Famh reaches to catch the cloth Sir Almeric tossed back to her without looking (Acrobatics 11). Even if she misses, she will not bend to pick the cloth up, but will continue to gaze into the young man's eye with a sad, a solemn ... maybe even a grave look of deep disappointment. The disdainful Cameron Fraser she dismisses in turn from her own mind, turning from him as soon as she hears his sniff and concentrating on the other. Other than that, she will do whatever she can to Help Sir Almeric's interrogation by speechor silence.
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Morale Check- DC 10 modified to DC 12 by party actions- ( MacFhearchair- 5, Fraser- 10, Dochartaigh- 8 )
Fraser and the youngster stumble backwards apparently fully believing they are about to be struck down, but the lad Sir Almeric spoke with the night before stands his ground and steps slightly forward even as he takes in Vardi and Ori at Almerics side.
There is a horrendous stench as the youngest visibly loses control of his bowels and falls to the ground whimpering, Fraser keeps it together better but raises his hand to shield his face.
But the MacFhearchair lad seems to have found some spine after being pushed into the corner and there is a shrewd look upon his face.
" Tell her father whatever fanciful tale you wish, it won't change the fact that you have no evidence of wrongdoing let alone our involvement....otherwise you would not have been sniffing after scraps last night, Sir Knight."
His face is flushed but his teeth are gritted and jaw tight, " Reavers? You'd need ask the Sheriff about that. Sheriff Brunn, our commander."
" I doubt very much you have the influence over our families that you seem to believe you do.....the Merchant Families control the majority of trade out of Beltayne and even Duke Carnasse is careful not to push things too much. Besides....even if we were guilty, which we certainly are not, no one is going to lose a wink of sleep over some hill farmer whose wandered off."
He stepped in front of Fraser and looked Sir Almeric up and down, " This is nothing but idle threats and bluster.....and perhaps a touch of guilt for the atrocities you yourself performed in Outremer."
" Strike us down if you wish, Sir Knight. But know if you do it will be an unlawful killing and you and your motley will be the ones hanging from a gibbet."
Every muscle in the lads body was tensed and hard, he remained stock still where he stood almost vibrating with tension.
Vardi has heard the family name many times due to the families merchant vessels being frequent and lucrative visitors to Katorheim, they are shrewd and ruthless business folk.
Ori manages to move up beside MacFhearchair and Fraser and cut them off from the bawling, soiled mess on the floor.....
Famh is not expecting the MacFhearchair lad to take up the torch dropped in fear by the Fraser lad and to wield it with confidence that seemed beyond him only moments ago, it sets her temporarily on the back foot.....
Vardi stands still as a menhir in daylight, keeping her temper in check lest Skuggavardi take it as an excuse to take offense himself, and thinks on who answers to who in the game of pulling rank. The big lass concludes that as King's Woman, in this matter, she is the equal of any wet behind-the-ears wealthy lordling, let alone one who is already likely to be in disgrace if he's been posted to Sheriff Brun's command.
That in mind, she steps forward, putting herself between Ser Almeric and MacFhearchair. She lifts her hands and turns them palms upward as she says in a calm, almost amused tone "It is nay Ser Almeric that is being asked ta explain themselves here, laddie, nor is it Sherrif Brun or yer fathers tha' ye will be answering ta over it. Now I suggest ye find yer manners sharpish, and answer truthfully this time."
She leans down, and adds in deadly seriousness "I am Vardi Hrosskelda, King's Woman, and lying ta me is tha same in tha eyes of tha law as lying ta the King himself. I trust ye nay seek ta undermine tha authority of tha Crown Of Thurland?"
OOC: Should have rolled before for this, and I'm not quite sure what skill it is that I'm rolling for, but as Vardi has no bonuses to to any of the relevant skills I can think of like Intimidate, Persuade or Performance, I hope 20 is enough to do it.
Almeric's grimace turns into a wide sneer, as the power of the Draugr Drum flickers across his face. Staring, unblinking at MacFhearchair, Almeric visibly relaxes his body language, flicking his head to Ori in conversation. "Oh, I like him! I thought there was something different about him, but now I'm sure. Perhaps we can work together."
Facing MacFhearchair again. "Get your mate cleaned up. We'll talk again later." Intimidation = 13 ADV (Mind Games/De-Escalation)
Almeric turn slowly, speaking briefly with Ori before leaving the Stables. "Sergeant, rest the Retinue, then we head north. I will be with Sir Robert if you need me."
Exiting the stables, Almeric replaces the Dum carefully in his backpack and returns to the great hall. Once gone, the others are at their own recognisance once more. At the Great Hall, Almeric will speak with Sir Robert, try to gain as much information as possible about the incidents to the north, reassuring the Sheriff they will leave soon.
The confident replies of Vardi and Sir Almeric have given Famh time to adjust to the MacFhearchair lad's newfound assurance; and as she feels she can't add much to them in the way of worldly jurisdiction and authority, she doesn't. At first she says no words at all, but turns her gaze upon this new object of attention and gazes unblinkingly at him while the other two are talking.
As the Capellar departs to speak with Sir Robert, though, Famh remembers that there is an Authority she holds herself sworn to the service of; and that all these lads are likely to have at least mouthed their professions of loyalty to that same Authority at some time in the past ... if not in the person of His vicar the Bishop, then at least of their family confessor or village priest. She looks MacFhearchair in the eye with a calm, steady gaze even as the rest of her body slowly turns to go. Guessing it was her rough dialect as well as her fey appearance that had provoked Fraser's sniff, she shades back towards standard Elleslandic to deal with his companion. "'Tis true that we have no sure proof, perhaps. But in your own soul ye know the truth. And I think if ye were entirely innocent ye'd have shown a bit more concern and less bluster. 'Not a sparrow falleth to the ground but He marketh it ... ' ... even if she was but a hill farmer. And are ye not sworn to protect all Duke Carnasse's farmers so long as ye're on the Watch? From what I saw of the Duke when he had the kindness and nobility to honour our retinue and our Baron at dinner, I don't think he'd take well at all to your unconcern. And I don't think that's your best self speaking either. Think it over before our knight returns."
To the whimpering mess on the floor that she had initially mistaken for a hardened criminal, all she says as she departs to seek much needed rest is, "It's not too late. Our knight's no as terrible as he seems ... he kens Gatanades' mercy as well as his wrath." Then,, a sudden instinct ... or perhaps just a guess ... makes her murmur just as she turns away and walks out the door, "Did you love her? Even a bit? Is that why ...?" She says no more, but sighs and starts back to the hall to see where quarters might have been arranged for the women of the retinue.
=========
Persuasion (MacFhearchair) 21
Persuasion (youngest lad) 17
Insight (did the youngest lad have feelings for Morag?) 5
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Thatch moves up silently behind and to the side of the group as Sir Almeric puts on his show of force. One hand slips toward the hilt of his gladius as it looks like there will be a fight. But as the youngest guard falls to the floor weeping and Sir Almeric turns away, Thatch leans down to help the poor lad up to his feet. Why he couldn’t be much younger than Thatch was when he first set out from the stables. “Come now, mate. Let’s get you cleaned up. The good knight’s bark is worse than his bite tonight it seems.” Thatch leads the lad out of the mess on the floor and out toward the barrel outside to get cleaned up. “Though if you did see the lass they are talking about or anything on the way in you should tell them.”
Vardis forceful statement has a significant effect, not the least of which is to further collapse the Dochartaigh lad until he has absolutely no resistance to the others bringing him aside.
Her appeal to the authority of the King does seem to give the other two pause but rather than loosening their tongues they simple resolve to stop speaking altogether to avoid any further interaction......but it is certainly a thread to be picked up later.....which she is rather glad of as sleep is beckoning fast.
After speaking with Ori Almeric turned and left leaving two of the three rather flummoxed as to what had just happened.....
Sheriff Brunn advises Almeric to head north on the Lords road until it fades and to speak with a hillsteader by the name of Rory Mor whose broch sits on a hilltop just past the end of the road about two days north.
Whilst her words seem to have no effect on the other two, Dochartaigh meets her eyes and composes himself momentarily and gives a slight nod....though Famh cannot tell exactly which query or statement he is agreeing with.
With Famh and Thatchs kind voices seemingly allowing the boy to become a little more composed he is led out by Thatch, with Ori and Vardi closing off the rear as they follow Famh out, they note Cainneach waiting without having exchanged nods with Almeric on his way to Sheriff Brunn.
As the youngster began to wash himself, the two within began a furious whispered conversation and a contagious yawn circled around the companions.....the sun was rising higher and beds were beckoning.
( If enquiring within the manor there are five rooms put aside for the companions. Sir Almeric has one, the other four are up for grabs. )