The Warrens

[Paladin]

This topic will be home to roleplay taking place in the central area of the Warrens--the square amidst the rings of cave mouths, the creek which runs through the main plaza, etc.

Anyone who wakes up before the feast and wants to explore a bit beforehand will come here to post. Through careful exploration, you may discover other areas within the Warrens, as well.

[Modric]

Robern

Will explore the warrens area and look for anyone trading goods.

How many caves are there? Is there a map posted or should one of us take up cartography?

[Karaunios]

We have a map for the two expeditions. I could do an interior map, or, maybe, Paladin could do it while we explore if he doesn't mind. The thing can be hard to do by a player just by mere description in a pbp game.

Paladin posted a description of what we see when we left the cave in the other thread.

[beniliusbob]

The Violet Chaplain approaches the tall spearman gesticulating to Gaius to learn what he is speaking about, suspecting it is matters of life, death and war.

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus will come along the Violet Chaplain. He won't speak, though, just stand there and listen to what Gaius is telling to the others.

[Paladin]

I'll sort us out a rough map soon. I can barely manage to post at all the past couple of weeks. But we'll get there! Life will calm down again in October, I hope.

Robern finds the weapons and armor being made as described, provisions being smoked, and other bits and bobs. Is he looking for anything in particular?

The others approach Gaius and find themselves party to a discussion on tactics. The tall man is directing them in tactics, showing them how to thrust from behind the protection of their shields and skewer the red-eyed demons.

"They rely on speed and ferocity alone," he tells the assembled warriors. "Survive the first wild rush and methodically hew them down afterward. They can't stand against an organized attack."

He has them form into two groups, one in a solid line of shields and short, stabbing spears. The other is a ragged band with no formation. At his command, they commence a mock battle and you watch as the organized group systematically carves through the rabble with cool heads and efficient tactics.

"Excellent!" he booms, turning to spot your approach. "Well. Greetings, new comrades. Are you ready to fill your bellies at our table?" He waves a hand to dismiss the warriors and wipes the sweat from his brow.

[Karaunios]

Divitiakus greets the warrior. "Good training you had going there. Better to be prepared against those fiends." He grins. "We were talking with Silla and Giselle earlier. We're planning on looking for this temple where this... dark lord who leads the undead and demons of this land resides.

But we can discuss it at the table, if you will."

[Modric]

Robern

Are there any provisions for sale? How about any hirelings?

[Paladin]

Gaius pauses briefly and regards you in silence at the mention of the sorcerer. His cold eyes are hard as flint and his lips compress into a thin line. All this is a brief flash and then it's gone. His normally jovial demeanor returns and he claps you on the shoulder. "Good. We'll discuss many things tonight. Come!"

He strides with purpose toward the large fire, inhaling the aroma of roasting meat with a satisfied sigh. "We don't eat this well often, but your coming is a special occasion." He finds a barrel and pops the lid free, dipping a ceramic mug into the liquid contained within. "We do manage to make mead," he says with a happy sigh, then tips it up and drains the mug on one go.

Others begin drifting over after seeing Gaius at the fire. Before long, a throng of slim, hard-bitten men and women have congregated near you. Most are talkative and seem good-natured. Others regard you with suspicion and remain guarded in your presence. Giselle joins you again and sidles up to Modric, sending him a look from beneath long lashes. Her soft lips curve into a welcoming smile. "Hello, handsome," she says quietly, before turning purposefully to others in the crowd and greeting them by name. She moves effortlessly through the throng, working the crowd with ease, turning heads and earning smiles and looks of longing from every direction.

The exchange is not lost on Gaius. His gaze is impassive, but something flickers in his hard eyes. But it soon fades and he presses you all to take mugs and drink deeply.

"Tonight we celebrate," he assures you. "Tomorrow we spill blood."

You're welcome to approach those you see fishing or preserving food to inquire about bartering or buying something. Otherwise, judging just from what you see--you don't know what's on offer. Same with the hirelings. You're welcome to try.

Feel free to mingle and pursue whatever objectives you have here. This is a very detailed world...but the details won't all jump out at you. Sometimes you have to go looking. Never know what might be lurking--even here in relative safety.