[IC] The Black Band [Mercenary Works]

[Warbozz]

The feast was assembled and Brooch was there to enjoy it, one of the first to sit down, he removed his helmet and began to stuff his face with delicacies from all across Eithloriel, he saw more and more of his new compatriots enter and sitting down. The elf woman he was talking to earlier had befriended an amazon warrior, so it seemed. Brooch had seen amazons in action before, beautiful beyond compare and fierce with spears and bow, nothing to be scoffed at. While he was enraptured by the two beauties he began to feel the strange nature of this feast, the titan was a sucker for such events but they were always in honor of past, or hard earned victory, it felt wrong to entertain such treats without earning them first. Maybe he could create such a spectacle, even build himself up as a stout follower in eyes of others. The titan stood up and again proclaimed loudly: "I am truly honored to be among such strong companions and professional rulership! To further honor this glorious event I propose an friendly match!" Brooch threw an bag of silver coins on the table and sat down again. "Of arm wrestling!" Titans face was painted in a exalted bushy grin and sparkling eyes.

[Dolerman]

King Redswift wasn't interested in eating, especially not the poorly cooked human slop that was presented to him, he noted the arrival of the elf woman who enetered the guild hall. She was fairly attractive but was obviously of common stock, not fit for a king to desire at all. He was then approached by the human sorcerer, the one who spoke elven with a suprisingly refined accent. The magic user asked Redswift what he was doing here. You can call me Redswift in this context human, I'm not your royalty here. Redswift turned towards him with a measure of respect, that he would not usually show most humans. I have come here driven by shame, I was exiled from my former kingdom because the highly corrupt council would not accept my half human brother. I have decided to search for him and hopefully build an army and wealth so I can take my kingdom back, from the councilman who stole it from me, it is my birthright. Redswift then sat down on one of the near by stools and removed his helmet.

[The Grey Dust]

Most interesting. A matter of political intrigue mixed in with personal pride. So the elven king was not the patron but rather the mercenary who had ulterior motives behind joining the little hodgepodge present here. Then, who had called them all here for this particular meeting? Surely these men were men of coin like his father, yet perhaps with more of a beefy, muscular sword arm which would hack ones limbs off with a few good strokes. Yet, the massive recruitment drive the Guild had indicated either a revival of the guild, or perhaps the brink of ruination. Which of the two did this particular event belong to? Regardless, Syrah was here from an external contract, while not officially a black band guild member, he was an independent service provider who is to be part of the guild yet have no representation in formal affairs of guild connections. Which was fine, it would allow him to be captured rather than outright killed. Subcontractors. "Then I would wish you well in your quest M'Lord." There was something left unsaid of course, surely his father would more than likely be interested in this king's quest. It was always good to have someone of power in your pocket, especially since relations with the elven council as been strained slightly given the amount of exportation of elven goods facilitated by his portals. Funding an army for a rebellion seemed something up father's sleeve, although of course he would bury himself under mountains of legal paperwork to obscure his involvement should the uprising fail. It was feasible after all to take a kingdom back with but a scant few men in the right places. Is that not what the game of usurp is after all? Having a few men in the right places? Then there was the other thing left unsaid. The compliment unspoken of how the elf's countenance was far superior without the helm than with it. But there was no need to tell the former king that was there? Syrah was sure the elf already knew this and merely wore the helm for practicality to protect his pretty face from being smashed or cut up. Then again, perhaps it was an indicator of the fighting skill the king had? Requiring such arms and armor to fight within melee range whilst forgoing the bow. Then again, what use was armor if one was swift enough to avoid the slow attacks of the enemy. Ah the possibilities of having the elf remove his armor, then perhaps we could see what lies beneath.

[Color_Weaver]

"Indeed it seems we're surrounded by a lot of them that would jump at that chance." Staring fully at the elf woman, feeling a mutual compassion between that could lead to a be efficient and friendly relationship. Extending her free hand to meet Lentus, trying to keep her grip from being too firm. "Let us sit and talk, it's been to long since I've had an intellectual conversation with another woman." Already having to spend a week at sea with her father to reach Avalad. "I'm Eleni Voshrem. An amazon from the Jade and Sapphire Isles, former Black Spear guard to the Empress Sellis. I apologize for being so formal, I haven't been a sell spear for long." Eleni's very background explained why she was so harsh against men. It wasn't necessarily her per say, but the nature of her upbringing. Around most of the common world women held a lower standing or it was told to her, but her home women were the rulers. Not meaning to come of so formal but as of here background it demanded it. Perhaps over time she'd could curb that aspect. Though time would be only means to that. "Let us sit and eat though, enjoy the token of our hosts offering." The subtle growl of her stomach didn't argue with the fact of food. Glancing threw a few of the feast foods. Eleni didn't know most of the foods so she stuck to what was common at least to here. Picking threw a few fruits including what was her favorite (cherries) and some slices of cheese. Choosing a dry red wine to wash it down. "So Lentus, why are you here?" Eleni had spoken, with an interest. Never having the pleasure of meeting an elf before, relishing in the moment to learn more about the race. Though the giant had spoke right after she had finished her sentence. Spitting out a cherry pit. "Against you titan no, but against some of the others yes." Knowing even if she did enhance herself, she'd be no match for the man and conceded that fact, but was confident in the ability of taking most of the others in the guild hall.

[rocketrobie2]

Tudolf was one of the first few people to sit down but not the very first, that honour belonged to the metal clad man, but as soon as Tudolf got there he began drinking just about anything in sight even though half of the stuff was nonalcoholic which also was mainly made up of food grease and such things. He felt a little out of place with the types of people that had shown up as lots of them seemed to have great stature in one way or another while he could just pass off as a common drunk. As he continued to drink the mountain of a man once more addressed the group, in his own opinion, a finer manor then the Elf's only because he could understand his loud nature slightly better as it matched his own volume. When he brought up the possibility of winning silver via arm wrestling the drunk could hardly keep his mouth from curling into a smile. "Hey! 'll wrestle arm ya! That is if ya think ya can keep up with this!" The drunk yelled standing up on the table while also putting his food unintentionally in another recruits food. If Tudolf won he'd use that money to buy a few drinks for himself and maybe buy over a few friends because if there was one thing that drunkard would remember is that you need friends in order to not kneel over prematurely.

[Amelian Draco]

Dothren had retreated to his study on the sixth floor between the time of the Amazon's arrival and before the feast. He looked through the small pile of contracts that sat on his desk, trying to put faces with names. After a short time a few of his veteran lieutenants had arrived at his door. They sat around an oval table, and the group discussed the matter of what recruits should go were, and also hand picked a few for the Captain's personal group. Dothren planned on having the recruits separated based off of apparent skill. The more elite would be placed with the more experience lieutenants, and vice versa for the least experienced. This would be shown by a set of tests prepared by the lieutenants. As he began to draft his first letter, two of his lieutenants had began to argue over the portal mage known as 42. Neither of you get him. His father signed a contract with me, and I don't trust ether of you with that contract.. A few of the others chuckled, but most were to consumed by the task at hand to pay attention. Dothren goes back to writing and figures he should write in elven and dwarvern for those of his pick. Each letter reads in some variation : Dear (name), you have been selected to serve under me, Captain Dothren, in my personal group for handling jobs. You will receive higher pay and see more of the world then a normal bandholder. I ask that after the feast that you join me in my study above the library to discuss our future together, and to greet your fellows that will hopefully be joining our group. Honored, Captain Dothren Roketh of the western branch. The lieutenants leave to join others in feast just as Dothren finishes his letter to Lentus. Though he did not go with them just yet. He stood from the table and moved to a large window that over looked most of the city. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his thoughts. Though he could feel something unsettling deep in his core. Shaking off the feeling he left his study and joined the others in the feasthall. He walked into the hall as the Titan gave his challenge, and the dwarf jumped onto the table. First he handed the letters to a nearby lieutenant and told him who to hand them to, and to be polite. Then laughing as he took his place at the head of the table, I hope you can wait to make your winnings until after I give a toast. Grabbing an dwarvern mug, he raised it in toast, A toast to past glory and future goals, and may the pay always be good and we'll earned. Dothren drank from his dwarvern mug, and sat down. Instead of eating from the large array of foods, he only eat from a few pieces of elven bread. He began to speak with those around him about the local business matters and such.

[Jalbertio]

Talto weaves through the crowds of Mercenaries, carrying a pint of Ale in each hand, looking more like a ordinary servant, rather than a accomplished mercenary. The distinctive, and common smell of iron, and sweat fill Talto's nostrils as he brushes up against some of the armour wearing recruits. Talto takes both of the mugs of ale, and sets them besides the two men about to arm wrestle. He makes his way towards the man who rescued him, Captain Dothren Roketh. "Ay Captain, I'm looking at these new recruits, the Amazon, the Elves, even that...mage." Talto says, as he casually takes a sip from Dothren's mug. "So who're we aimin' for, Cap? Personally, I think that huge guy Brooch, you know the one in the huge armour? He's massive, I'd like to spar with him one time, purely for training. The Dwarf as well, Tudolf? Was his name? Anyways, even though he's a drunk, I feel like he has something up his sleeve....who knows, he could just be a drunk. But that mage....42. He scares me, more than anyone else in this room, even more than that demon. Something....something tells me that he's very dangerous."

[Warbozz]

It was quite an spectacle indeed! The crowd was cheering while two combatants grunted and put their warforged biceps to work. Brooch was confident at first of his own long developed fortitude but his opponent was indeed a dwarf, folk chipped away from bones of the earth itself and when drunken, that legendary stubborness and grit could easily double or triple in effectiveness! First there was table creaking, then a slam and loud crash of metal as titans hand was forced on the table, his shoulder followed and under the weight of his pauldron the table was decimated and bits of food and broken plates flew everywhere. From the chaos, Brooch was first to rise up to his feet and reached down to raise Tudolfs arm into air and celebrate the glorious victory. This time there were more voices that followed titan into uncontrolled laughter and cheering that could be heard long into evening around the imperial city.

[Amelian Draco]

The Captain had been drawn into a debate on the succession of if something was to happen to the current Region Lieutenant. A few had suggested that Dothren himself would most likely be the one promoted, but he did not agree with the idea. His argument was, the Region Lieutenants hardly get out in the field, and mostly deal with paperwork. Runba's Deep's captain would be more likely to fit the role. Several nodded in agreement as Talto approach Dothren. He nodded at Talto's words, He is a danger, but not to us. I trust he will honor his contact. Also after the feast join me in my study. There you'll see who's joining us in my group. As he finished his words the Titan crashed onto the table. Grabbing his mug as the table falls, You're lucky we have mages that can fix that. He chuckled and waves to a man and a woman in grey robes. They nod and move to ether side of the broken table. After a moment of spell work, the table stands as if nothing had happened...except for the food that is now scatter across it. He laughed with the others as the large man lifted the dwarf's arm. After finishing the rest of his elven bread, Dothren stood and addressed the feasthall, I bid you all goodnight, for it would be wise to get some sleep while you can. I know some of the trials can keep you awake for a few days. As he is monologing, a lieutenant moves around the hall and passes out the letters to those Dothren had chosen. Everyone receives a letter from Dothren. He raises his mug one last time, to future gold and glory. He drinks then heads off towards his study.

[rocketrobie2]

Tudolf laughed as he won the arm wrestle. He wasn't sure if he would beat the armour clad man but was surprised and thrilled when he just barley managed to do so. Of course this didn't mean Tudolf was stronger then the man as he had shorter arms which gave him leverage on the man. As he arm was lifted into the air by his opponent he laughed some more as he got the bag full of silver with his other hand. "You ever need a drink, com find meah. 'll hook ya up" Tudolf said with his drunken slur and a smile.

[philp123]

“Of course, I have been I seclusion for many a good month,” She proceeded to sit down, taking her bow off her back but leaving her daggers in place. “I have never met an Amazonian, I have only heard rumours of the great feats, although I’ve never heard stories of dark haired Amazonians, It must be a rare occurrence” She moved to the extravagant food in front of her, Although she was wasn’t hungry she stayed with what she knew taking mostly bread and fruit. “I am here as part of my pilgrimage, I went seeking enlightenment from a goddess and when I found her temple I was led here,” She took out her pendant with the rune “ this is the mark of my god and it was bestowed unto me, though do not think of me as a religious monk, my deity prefers more ‘practical’ methods, Some would call me a thief or a murderer, I consider myself a master of deceit , after my fellow brothers and sisters were desecrated I had nowhere else to go and so I follow the orders of my deity. I may sound odd but it is true. And what of yourself Eleni, What are your motives?” As the captain raised his mug Lentus followed suit, raising her glass of mead “To a great future.” “Dwarf!” Lentus exclaimed as her Plate flew half way across the room, although she was furious, but she held herself back no point in making early enemies. She noticed letters being distributed around, ‘Hmmm how odd’ she thought to herself, A man walked up to her and distributed her letter She open it up and glanced quickly at it, It was odd she hadn’t read Elven in a long time:

Dear Lentus Aventum, you have been selected to serve under me, Captain Dothren, in my personal group for handling jobs. You will receive higher pay and see more of the world then a normal bandholder. I ask that after the feast that you join me in my study above the library to discuss our future together, and to greet your fellows that will hopefully be joining our group. -Honored, Captain Dothren Roketh of the western branch.

“What does you message read Eleni?” She said, refilling her glass and grabbing another loaf of bread.

[Color_Weaver]

"Likewise Lentus, I've only heard the Elven culture from our shipwrights. A most ancient race with legendary feats of strength themselves. A skill with the bow considered unimaginable unless seen." Eleni was impressed with their culture and had to admit she wanted to try her her bow against Lentus's. "You can say that. Only those with darker hair are considered to protect and serve the empress. Said to be born directly from the twin goddess's themselves." She allowed her self the childhood fantasy to an extent. Taking a second helping at her host discretion. Her metabolism demanded more than the average being, whether it was her rigorous training or simply because of her identity, it wasn't denied its desires. "Sometimes discretion is truly the better part of valor. I cannot speak for myself but sometimes the shadows save more than the blade." Feeling sympathetic towards the elf's devotion and background. "I wear the goddess's on me. I will show you, when we aren't surrounded by ogling eyes." Indicating to the slight traces of tattooing at her wrists, giving the notion of extensive tattooing. Drinking the whole of her cup before elf's question about her motives, refiling her glass another time. "I was framed for murder of the late empress. I know who did but cannot prove the culprit. I'm under exiled justice. Banished from my home until my innocence is proven. My friend and current empress can't see that her own husband was the murderer. So hate, rage and anger for the most part." Her plate and drink fell all over her. Trying to curb the anger, as Eleni's face grew increasingly red, clenching her hand into a fist. Popping as it closed, exhaling and soothed herself from starting what would be a free for all brawl. Was considering it too until she was handed a letter, skimming threw its contents knowing the common tongue as it was mandatory growing up. "That I'm to meet in the library with the captain after the feast. I'm assuming for an elite group of prospects for a more dangerous assignments." An honor for an elite group it was but still something just had to curb taking orders from a male. "We should bunk together after this meeting. I ask you a favor? I know I have no right to ask but help me curb my disdain towards men. My homeland women are the hierarchy. I would be in your debt if you did me this honor." Extending her hand out with a slight warming smile.

[philp123]

Lentus was pleased to hear good things, but was surprised to hear that she had never met an elf before, Lentus was intrigued by these tattoos on her colleagues arm She did not get a close enough look but they were very intricate, “I’m glad we agree, It is sad that some see my profession as thievery but unfortunately something’s cannot be changed with time.”Lentus gripped the extended hand, “I’d be privileged” Lentus rose up and moved towards the library. “I do wonder what this captain Dothren wishes to speak to us about.” She reached the door and opened it gesturing to Eleni to enter first.

[Amelian Draco]

Dothren walked into his study, and was greeted by the slight smell of death. Closing the large black oak door slowly, he pulled out his sword, the silver that detailed the dark blade shined in the moonlight. He may not always have is armor on in his own guildhall, but his sword never left his side. Looking around the room. The window door to the balcony was open, along with a few other windows. Letting the moonlight flow into the room Moving slowly to the middle of the room. The Paperwork he left on his desk seemed to have been shuffled, and the iron bands he had made seemed to be gone. Who has been in here. The thought lingered in his mind for a moment before he turned to see his robed friend. It's hood still covering his head and face. A sigh escaped from Dothren as he lowered his black and sliver sword. "Why do you feel the need to sneak about like that?" The figure only stood there with only its raspy breathing to fill the silence. A decaying hand extended itself holding the bands. Taking them from the robe,"Why do you have those, and why aren't you saying anything? The figure walked past Dothren, and towards the balcony. A black smoke pooling out of it as he reaches the railing. Taking the the hood off and turning, "I love you nephew. " The figure is enveloped in smoke and dissipates as Lentus opens the door.

[Warbozz]

The thrill of free drink was already getting to Brooch as he got his letter from captain himself! "By dragons flame! it seems like hardly after being accepted I get special commendations!" He bellowed this more loudly than intended. At this moment he saw the elf he had spoken to before within trophy hall approach upstairs like the letter had ordained. The Titan waved for others attending the feast to follow him as he too trekked upstairs. He could have sworn to have seen something unnatural and terrifying when Lentus parted the door but this would be credited to alcohol as many a venture on this glorious night.

[rocketrobie2]

Tuldolf saw the mountain of a man say his monologue out loud then head off upstairs. He wondered where the group of people were going but was soon greeted with an answer via note from the leader of the band. "Well I'll be a drunks son! Looks like I gots myself a job!" he said cheerily as he took off after the other in a drunken jog.