Beyond the Ragnarök

Quote from PlotArmored >>

History: 17

 Leif pretends to not recognize Master Gaelran. His father had pointed him out years prior during a market visit. He had complained that he had been swindled by the man and warned young Leif to steer clear, if he could.

He greets king Alaric and Merros formally but merely nods to Valdir and the merchant.

Kora stays with her group, having no idea who the stranger is, but barely gives him a second glance.  She quickly and nonverbally greets the King and Merros, and then glares at Valdir, while she waits to hear what is next for them.

"Welcome friends." Alaric greets you all, "Master Gaelran here is working to establish commerce here in our new settlement."

"I am working for our survival my king." Gaelran corrects with an oily smile and open palms.

"His majesty well understands your aims." Merros comments sternly, earning a fierce scowl from the merchant.

"As I was saying," Alaric continues, giving Merros a stern look of his own, "Master Gaelran has a favour to ask of the crown such as it is and it seems to me that you all would be well suited to the task."

You hear a snort from Valdir, and now it is his turn to receive a sharp look from both the king and Gaelran. You could cut the tension in the air with a knife until at last the merchant gives a heavy sigh and speaks to you all,

"This land holds little in the way of livestock and the raw materials necessary to establish a stable community. What scouting we have managed thus far has revealed a barren land void of flora and fauna. The timber of the nearby forest is poor, we have fish of course but little else. We need to explore further inland to see what natural resources the lands hold for us."

Alaric speaks then, "I would have you take one of the remaining ships and journey west along the river. Four days should suffice for this initial expedition and then three to return. Seek out signs of life and resources that might aid our efforts here. Merros will help you select your ship and crew..."

"...And Valdir here will accompany you to represents the interests of the guild." Gaelran adds.

Both the king and Merros look surprised at this, and it is Merros who speaks, "This is a new world Gaelran, the old guilds are dead and gone."

"They are no more dead and gone than the crown." he snaps, then seeing he has gone too far, "Forgive me. What I mean to say is that..."

Alaric silences his with a glare, "Enough, your favour has been granted and if you and the others wish to play at guilds and committees while our people still sleep under rags and twigs then no words of mine can help you."

The king turns his back on the merchant then and speaks to you all, "Do you have any boons or questions to ask of me before you depart?"

“My lord, if Valdir is allowed to join, let it be heard from your lips and in front of witnesses that he is added as a favor on top of favor and is granted no authority over us OR the rest of the expedition members yet to be chosen. That he is expected to perform all actions, in word and deed, for the benefit of the entirety of the Midgard survivors, and not solely ‘in the interest of the guild’. That by his acceptance to join, he agrees to exceed our expectations in pulling his weight in all manners for the benefit of the party and success of our mission and safe return. And finally, that the king grants us, the original invitees, the rod of discipline and leadership for the duration of this undertaking.”

Leif realizes he is probably the youngest voice in this meeting and that he is coming across rather precociously. But darn it, Peder and Edda didn’t raise no fool. He has witnessed Valdir’s disrespect for the king in person and is sure that increased distance from that authority will only exacerbate his predilections.

Halp admires the thoroughness of the lad's speech. 

He nods his agreement. Then he nods to show he will do as the King asks. Then he nods as he starts to think he might have to clear up what he's nodding about. 

In the end, he just stops nodding. The simplest way forward at this juncture. 

"A ship and crew is boon enough, good King." 

He turns to Valdir. "I will look for ways to find worth in you, guildsman. For as long as it may take. No doubt there's good there, waiting to be found." 

He decides to stop talking. But Halp recalls putting himself between the lass and Valdir on the beach.

It will likely be a long search... 

Sólmyrkvi considers the kings request.  He's excited to get out of the depressing camp and explore the island for a few days, not thinking yes about how important this mission and its success are to their community of Midgard refugees.  He's surprised when Master Gaelran forces the king to add Veldir to the crew and worries about mischief will come of that.  On the one hand, he understands that Gaelran is trying to protect his interests.  On the other hand, it doesn't bode well that Gaelran saw fit to employ Veldir's gang in the first place!  He opens his mouth to say something conciliatory, perhaps that they'd be happy to have Veldir's experience and assistance on the expedition. 

But then Leif starts talking...

Sólmyrkvi's mouth snaps shut, and he shifts uncomfortably once he hears the tenor of Leif's request.  "The cat's out of the bag," as the saying goes.  He looks resolutely at King Alaric and Merros and waits to hear the king's response before he says anything else.  He intentionally avoids looking toward Veldir or Master Gaelran, as though Leif's comments have nothing to do with them.  Veldir was the most reasonable member of his gang -- or at least the most cunning! -- and he's less dangerous on his own.  But while Veldir's gang clearly didn't like Sólmyrkvi and his friends, they weren't exactly enemies.  Humiliating Veldir in public like may change that, and it will definitely earn Leif Veldir's ire.

(OOC: Waiting to see what the king says to Leif before Sólmyrkvi makes his requests.)

Veldir barks an angry growl and steps forward but a raised hand from his new employer brings him to a halt. Gaelran fixes you with an amused grin Leif, "Well well, the boy who would command a king. It appears your majesty that the ambitions of the guild are the least of your concerns."

The king ignores the barb and closes his eyes for a moment to gather himself, “Veldir you have my leave to join the expedition. You will be answerable to Master Halp for the duration is that acceptable?"

Halp, the king fixes his eyes on you, more interested in your reaction than the answer from Veldir, who grumbles his agreement. (Insight to guess the kings mind, Halp can roll with advantage).

Leif you see that Merros is staring at you with bright eyes and a wide grin.

Halp's insight roll into the King's intention: (per game log: 2, 17 + 5 = 22) 

Halp keeps it minimalist. Simple is always better, he thinks. He nods, "Very good, my King. He'll no doubt come good." 

Or he won't. 

(OOC: Looking forward to seeing what that Insight check might reveal!) 

Quote from Dreamhobbit >>

Gaelran fixes you with an amused grin Leif, "Well well, the boy who would command a king. It appears your majesty that the ambitions of the guild are the least of your concerns."

The king ignores the barb and closes his eyes for a moment to gather himself, “Veldir you have my leave to join the expedition. You will be answerable to Master Halp for the duration is that acceptable?

 
Leif slow blinks and shakes his head almost imperceptibly as Gaelran misrepresents the requests made. He is sure that at no time did his tone become commanding. He merely proffered some additional conditions to Veldir’s admittance up front, to set expectations. His father had been swindled by this merchant years ago because he added conditions AFTER their initial agreement. Or, at least, that is what his father had told him.

He is satisfied that the king has put Veldir under the authority of Father Halp. A very wise choice in his eyes.

Kora stays silent through this exchange.  It is clear she isn't happy with the arrangement of including Veldir, but she is looking forward to checking out more of the island.  It was something she has wanted to do since arriving.  

She sighs and waits patiently as the conversation continues.  How is commerce the important thing here?  Isn't food, water, shelter where they need to spend resources?  She's disappointed that the king is even giving this merchant the time of day.  She decides not to speak up though, not much they could do about it and maybe that's how the king feels... which makes her feel even worse.

She's impressed by Leif and what he asks, he might not be such a scruff after all.  She's glad when Father Halp is deemed their supposed leader and watches as Merros lights up with a grin towards Leif... she attempts to read what this might mean...

Insight: 18

Quote from Ben_Evolent >>

(OOC: Waiting to see what the king says to Leif before Sólmyrkvi makes his requests.)

(OOC: To be clear, Sólmyrkvi waits until this issue of Veldir's inclusion is resolved, and then he adds his input.)

Sólmyrkvi clears his throat in an attempt to interrupt all of the glaring and clear the tension a bit before he speaks.  He says, "My king, we are honored by your trust and would be glad to undertake this expedition..."  He glances at Kora with a question on his face.  The matter of Veldir diverted the conversation before the party could actually accept to King Alaric's request, but it sounds like both Leif and Halp are on board.  He assumes that Kora would rather go explore the wilderness than remain in the cramped and crowded camp for another week, but he knows better than to speak for her.  He hesitates, no more than a long pause, hoping that she gives some sign that she assents to the mission.

Sólmyrkvi continues, "You asked if we had any questions.  Is our mission just to seek out signs of other life in this land and any resources that could help our community, bringing back news of what we find?  Or if we find resources, should we attempt to gather food or other materials to bring back?  And if we find other people in our expedition, perhaps other refugees from Midgard or even natives of this new world, do I have your leave to negotiate with them on your behalf?" 
(OOC: The shift from "we" to "I" in the last part of that question was intentional.)

As to requests / boons:

• If King Alaric permits them to negotiate in his name, then Sólmyrkvi asks for some mark or token of that authority.
• If the party is supposed to attempt to bring back resources, then we should ensure our ship has containers (sacks / chests / barrels) to carry any goods that we can gather. 
• In case we hit sheer terrain inland, Sólmyrkvi requests additional Rope and Iron Spikes (or even a Climber's Kit).

Finally, most importantly, Sólmyrkvi asks whether anyone has a Pearl that he could at least borrow for the week.  (If asked why he needs it, he just says that it's the material component for a spell that he's trying to master.)

(OOC: @Dreamhobbit - in case it's needed to resolve Sólmyrkvi's requests, I rolled Persuasion 18 in the game log.  If a skill check was not needed, let me know since I used his Heroic Inspiration to re-roll the initial roll.)

Halp (with a 22) it is clear to you that the words of Gaelran have placed the king in a difficult dilemma. He can not be seen to "obey" the request of Leif, though all reasonable minds would know that it was not the lads intent to do anything of the sort, nor can her ignore the completely correct sentiments shared by the young druid. By diverting the attention to you the most experienced and seasoned member of the group, he has managed to meet the demands of Leif while at the same time placing Veldir under the only command that his pride would allow him to stomach. Your natural seniority softens the blow. It is also clear that Alaric is not in a position to outright ignore this merchant. In securing the services of the Firewing crew the merchants have gathered a force that could pose a threat to the crown if not handled carefully. 

Kora (with an 18) you see approval and amusement in the eyes of Merros. These are conditions he might well of asked for himself, though perhaps not quite so openly, hence the amusement. He notices you studying him and gives you a brasen wink.

Sólmyrkvi, you make your requests of the king and he thinks for a moment before making response; "Consider this a scouting mission, you are to bring back word, though I am sure that Master Gaelran would not object to you bringing back samples of what you find."

"I would make this journey myself with my own men..." Gaelran starts to say but Merros interrupts.

"But alas the ships belong to the crown and the Firewing crew sank the last boat they manned."

"Merros play nice." Alaric snaps, though he has to work quickly to smother a grin of his own. "Master Gaelran and I will organise men and boats to gather what you find. If you meet other inhabitants or settlers take no action that could lead us to war. The Gods know we can not afford it. Otherwise make contact and yes Sólmyrkvi you may act as my envoy."

"But do not make any promises you can not keep." Merros adds with a smile. 

(With an 18) the king removes an Iron broach from his tunic. It is in the shape of wolfs head with a single ruby set it one eye socket and the other empty. You recognise this as the embalm of Alaric's house. "I know not what good this will do but it will serve as my seal such as it is."

 "I Will see to the provisions you need. Veldir make it so." Master Gaelran waves for Veldir to go collect the items you have asked for

(OOC: the boat will be furnished with sufficient storage containers once you have secured it and each of you may choose three mundane (worth up to 50g total) items from the merchants stores before embarking on the mission).

Sólmyrkvi finally you ask about the pearl, but before any answer can be given your conversation is interrupted by screams and a loud guttural roar...

You all turn to the sound of a wet snarl that seems to emanate from the very earth itself, followed by a thunderous, lunging impact against one of the nearby timber shelters.

A massive shape erupts into view. A black bear of impossible size, its shaggy fur coated in mud and sea spray, its small eyes burning with a primal, ravenous fury. Before a single warrior can draw an axe, the great beast rears up, its colossal bulk silhouetted against the milky light of the morning sun. With a terrifyingly quick swipe of a clawed forepaw, it sends a heavy wooden supply crate tumbling, crushing a nearby campfire, sending a cloud of embers and dust into the air.

Amidst the screaming and the scrambling of the stranded survivors, the bear moved with frightening precision. In the next breath, the creature stands over a shieldmaiden a who had been thrown to her knees by the tumbling structure. Her startled cry is cut short as the beasts immense jaws clamp shut with a sickening, wet crunch, decapitating her instantly and leaving only a headless body collapsing into the damp sand.

You all have a moment to choose your response (the beast is 40ft from where you stand) a battle map will be made available shortly :) but dont let that stop you...

Quote from Dreamhobbit >>

You all all have a moment to choose your response (the beast is 40ft from where you stand)

(OOC: Just to be clear, does that mean that we're already in initiative?  That is, it is currently the party's turn in round 1, and we can take our action now.  Or are we just giving our reactions to the initial appearance of the bear up to the point of the shieldmaiden's death, and then you'll settle initiative before we can take an action?) 

OOC: the bear is attacking the camp not you specifically, you can all act and that action may be an attack.

If you attack then I will count this as your first round of combat and then the bear will respond in kind. 

If you do something else the bear may or may not focus on you and move first depending on what you do.