Each turn is about 3 months of game time. Each turn a list of available contracts in each city will be posted along with rumours, missives and any flavor text about the world. You pick which jobs you wish to sign on and send me your orders. Tell me how you wish to conduct your operations in as much (or little) detail as you wish. When sending orders, more information is better. While I synthesize the battles and world, your free to roleplay in the main IC thread however you wish. Roleplay is not required to play. You may interact with each other, or any NPCs you wish to make up. Or you could write storie-whatever you wish. When I post the Turn Updates it is assumed time has elapsed regardless of where you are at in your respective RPs. Have fun! Pm me questions, or post in the OOC.
Reading the Bounty Boards
Flavor text sets the mood for the mission. Some information is contained here so don't skip it.
Contract Title When you send your orders, put the name of the contract title at the top so I know which missions your taking. (Below that you list which mercs are signing on) Employer: Who's paying you. This will affect relations with your employer, and your employers enemies. Reputation: Your Companies reputation must match or be higher than this number to take the contract. Enemies / Danger: Notes about what kind of danger to expect. Low to Extremely High. Pay: A summary of the payment, any misc. fees and rewards. Summary: This will describe what exactly it is your being payed to do.
NPCs: Big Bad Grig, Kelmet the Sorcerer, Yirig Scarmoon, Margoz the Ugly,
The city of Eredz is the product of centuries of cultural intermingling. Once a Baphan outpost, then later a Dwarven Stronghold, taken by the Mighty Kar, destroyed, abandoned, rebuilt, then re-conquered. It is a weird amalgamation of cyclopean sandstone towers, orcish longhouses, geometric dwarven pillars and Baphan city grid planning. Below the city itself are the main quarters for Malaph Kar's governors-The cruel Orc Warrior Big Bad Grig, a Half-Orc Sorcerer named Kelmet and his slave companions, and the Goblin Priestess Yirig Scarmoon.
Eredz City Bounty Board
1.
Big Bad Grig's scouts report a dwarven caravan moving slow-like through the stony forks out of Uramar. Rumour has it theres an elven sorcerer among them. Might be worth a look. Grig's planning on taking his usual cut.
Urumar-Vatelundz Caravan Raid Employer: Big Bad Grig (Orc Warrior) Reputation: +0 Enemies/Danger: Medium, caravan guards / possible sorcerer. Pay: 100g upon completion. (-50% cut for Big Bad Grig) Summary:Intercept the caravan transporting unknown goods/persons from Urumar to Vatelundz.
2.
Lo! The bounty of Sargoth upon you brother, we have captured a human vessel sailing from Sibis, in the Kingdom of Bapha. The blubbering fools have begged for mercy and safe passage to Urumar, just up the coastal road. For 1g a head I leave it to you. Either take these 5 prisoners to Balag so they may be slaughtered in the Great Kar's Arena, or escort them to the gates of Urumar and hope for a reward...May the eye of Sargoth follow you..
Guard Duty/Slave Drive Employer: Margoz the Ugly, Eredz City Goblin Corsair Reputation:+0 Enemies Danger: Low, (if transporting to Balag), possible Bandits Medium, (if transporting to Urumar), possible treachery from Urumar City Guards Pay: 60g to transport to Balag -or- 60g+ unknown, possible reward from Urumar Guards (-5g to buy the slaves from Margoz the Ugly) Summary: Buy the human slaves from Margoz the Ugly, then do with them what you will.
3.
Around the city well a crowd has gathered. It suddenly surges back as two big black tentacles surge up and out, feeling around the well. A pair of hapless goblins wearing the cloak of city guards are snatched up and are pulled in screaming. A jittery looking goblin guard approaches...
..."erm...something crawled out of the well. All tentacles and claws. Grabbed Dink and Plok a few minutes ago. Want to give it a go? I'll give you Dink and Plok's wages for the month..."
Employer: Fock, Guard Watch Leader Reputation: +0 Enemies / Danger: Medium-All tentacles and claws. Pay: 90gp + 2 pairs standard equipment Summary: Kill the thing in the city well. Might be sleepy from those goblin appetizers...
4.
You there! Yea, with the pointy weapons! Looking for work? This here caravans heading for Mauhar in the morning. I'll pay you when we get back...
Eredz-Mauhar Caravan Guard Employer: Oblot Blackfist, Human Merchant Reputation+0 Enemies/danger: Low-medium. (dire-wolf, dwarven war-party?) Pay: 75g upon completion Summary: Escort Oblot's shipment of salted pig, kelp and dried skins to Mauhar. Wolves have been spotted along the Border Roads, as have bands of dwarven mercenaries looking for a fight. But it's not like were hauling anything particularly valuable so it shouldn't be a problem. NOTE: Mr. Blackfist is only hiring 2 guards for the caravan.
5.
Yirig Scarmoon has read the omens, and has ordained that now is the time to expand the dominion of Malaph Kar. Whether for her own machinations or the glory of the Kar, a war party is preparing to scout the river crossings near Vatelundz Keep. Tag along and earn the respect of your fellow goblins and maybe earn a coin or two.
Scouting Vatelundz Keep Employer Yirig Scarmoon, Goblin Priestess Reputation: Enemies/Danger: High Pay:Is respect and fear not enough!? Summary: Follow the war party across the border into the Kingdom of Naramunz and scout the river crossings at Vatelundz Keep. Increases the chance that Malaph Kar will attack the Kingdom of Naramunz.
NPCS:The Governor of Sibis, Prince Velas, The Clergyman of the White Palace
Sibis is an ancient port, built millenia ago along the southern inlet of the Baphan mainland. Bridges, canals, earthworks, quays and damns have extended the city over the harbor, where many ships from The Kingdom of Naramunz unload their goods. On the horizon lay fleets of Monstrous Pirates, payed from the coffers of Malaph Kar, master of the Dominion across the narrow channel. The Priests of the White Palace pray to great Kephon for the safety of the merchant fleets... 1.
.."Heathens! Heathens! They've stolen great Kephons Likeness from the White Palace! Help, please m'lords I beg you, return the statue and bring the thieves to justice!.." Bounty Reward-Jorik the Thief Employer:Clergy of the White Palace Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:Medium-unknown Pay: 50g Summary: A thief named Jorik has stolen the statue of Kephon from the White Palace along with a few offering plates. Track Jorik to his hideout and kill/or capture him. (write your intentions in your orders).
2.
Requires a boat or pay 15g to hire a barge for 3 months. An old salt, Pretty Fish Tavern, ..."Aye, I've seen'em a few times now. Black sails-tattered by the icy north winds. Twenty or Fifty on the gunwales, roarin' and bangin them long cruel spears. I would be careful lads, those bastards don't take prisoners. Kill'em all I says...Kill'em all...."
Pirate Extermination 1 Employer:Royal Merchant Fleet of Sibis Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:Medium-High Pay: 100g + any salvaged items. Summary:A goblin pirate named Margoz the Ugly has been capturing Baphan trade vessels bound for Urumar. This menace must be halted if good relations and trade should continue with the Dwarven Kingdom. Kill Margoz and send the head to the governor of Eredz.
3.
Requires a boat or pay 15g to hire a barge for 3 months. ...."Yar, tis gettin' worse an' worse. Next week it'll be ten ta twenty more black-sailed ships. That Kar across the narrow channel will be ridin' an invasion vessel next thing we know...someone ought ta teach those bastard monsters who the masters of the sea are..."
Pirate Patrol Employer: Governor of Sibis Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:Medium Pay: 45g + any salvaged items Summary: Patrol the shipping lanes around Sibis, destroy any pirates you come into contact with.
4.
A public call for volunteers, Good citizens of Sibis, the Governor of this prosperous city requires the labor of men & woman knowledgeable in the martial discipline for guard duty along our port jettys and walls. Two weeks rations, a reasonable fee and reputation shall be awarded to those that sign on...
Sibis Port Guard Duty Employer:Governor of Sibis Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: Low Pay:30g Summary: Stand guard at the walls around the harbor and in the guard tower near the quay. Nobody would be foolish enough to attack such a fortified harbor...
5.
A prince from Larsa Castle is fleeing the city after threats against his life from an unkown enemy. The Prince has decided to flee the city. Report to Larsa Castle and join the detachment of Castle Soldiers. Escort the Prince safely as far as Sibis, where he will board a vessel bound for the dwarven city of Urumar
-or-
A message, from the office of the Governor of Sibis, sealed with the royal crest of Bapha, ..."has come to my knowledge that a certain Prince Velas has decided to flee the court, rather than faces the charges of conspiring with pirates, rebels and necromancers. If you were to 'detain' the prince until such time as my soldiers could apprehend him, The Governor and perhaps the King would view your Company as an asset to the Crown. Of course considerable compensation would be in order...my accountants will see to it that...." A Royal Escort Employer: Prince Velas & his Retainers Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: Low-Medium depending on chosen course of action Pay: varies Summary: Either escort Prince Velas to the coast for transpor to Urumar, or detain the Prince, dispatching his guards as necessary.
NPCS: Ben Sutherland, The Sorcerer Bargle, Crazy Tuck, Edgar Wiretooth
The well fortified city of Eaton lies next to a deep river, down stream from Castle Raxas itself. It is prosperous, well armed and supplied and is home to a few notable merchant families. The Sutherlands, (having some historic influence in the county-thus the name of the province) a merchant clan from the mountains, have dominated the wool and linen market for decades. Whether it is the nature of the cities geographical location o some odd quirk of the natural ebb and flow of life, Eaton is also home to some colorful characters..
1.
...a Wanted Poster shows the likeness of a sharp-featured man, raven-black hair obscured by a cowl. Around his neck is the amulet and token of the Royal Library, Kingdom of Raxas...
WANTED FOR MURDER By decree of King Voldrim and the Shreeve of the Province of Sutherland, the life and freedom of one Bargle, formerly of the Library of Dunston Keep is hereby declared forfeit, for criminal acts against the Kings property, his lands and his subjects. Kill Bargle or return him to the court for trial. CONSIDERED HIGHLY DANGEROUS.
Kill Bargle Employer: Shreeve of Sutherland Reputation: +0 Enemies/Danger: Medium-High (Bargle & any acolytes he may have attracted) Pay: 100g Summary:A rogue pyromancer has stolen a magical tome from the Royal Library and killed a dozen villagers or more. A bounty has been placed on the head of a man named Bargle, a scholar from Dunson Keep. He is reported to be hiding out in a cave near the river. Track him, kill him or capture him alive. (put your intentions in your orders)
2.
...aye he was a big bastard. Green skin. Tusks. Black fur running right down his spine. I don't know-never seen one like that a'fore. Carried a big nasty hammer. A couple o' smaller ones were dashin' at his feet. Anyway, them took a couple pigs, a few chickens, a cow, me wife. Ah well. Get'em back if you can!
Bounty Reward-Orc Outlaw Employer: Shreeve of Sutherland Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: Low-Medium Pay: 50g Summary: A rogue Orc and his Goblin cronies have wandered into the farmlands of Raxas. They've been stealing livestock and killing villagers. The farmer will throw in a few vials of medicine along with the Shreeves bounty of 50g.
3.
...some damn fool has gone and stolen the Statue of St. Borthis the Bold from the Church...Saw him lugging it into the woods a few hours ago. Hurry! And you can catch him before he reaches the river... Bounty Reward-Crazy Tuck & the Gang Employer: Church of St. Borthis Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: low-belligerent drunks Pay: 30g Summary: A few men got a little too rowdy at the inn and decided it would be a good idea to steal a statue from the Church. The monks are pissed. Catch them and return the statue intact. (this is a non-lethal contract)
4.
.."We're taking this shipment of mead and wool up to Castle Raxas. Care to earn a few coin? Some dire wolves have been spotted along the main roads...could use some extra guards. What say you?"
Eaton-Castle Raxas Caravan Employer: Ben Sutherland, Human Merchant Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: low, a few dire wolves, possible bandits Pay: 30g Summary: Escort Ben Sutherlands 3 wagons of goods up to Castle Raxas. Watch out for dire wolves or perhaps a bandit or two.
5.
...aye headed for Reford. Not much, a few books, some hogs. Once we get across this river, I'm not sure we won't encounter the odd bandit or three. I could use some guards for the trip....well are you coming or aren't ya?"
Eaton-Reford Caravan Employer: Edgar Wiretooth, Half-Orc Merchant Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: Medium, a few bandits Pay: 55g Summary: Escort Edgar Wiretooth across the river and on to Reford. Careful, Edgar may be carrying more than he's letting on.
Aeldun lies on a small peninsula across the bay from the Mouth of the Imla River, the longest river in the Kingdom of Naramunz. A long fortified harbor dominates the cities seaside districts, where merchants unload goods from as far away as Lothelonni. Tall masted triremes are moored safely in the artificial harbor. Smaller vessels are scattered in between. From the formidable fortress ship Prospero, the city council of merchants and corsairs rule. The ship has not sailed in twenty years, but it's iron banded hull is in perfect condition, permanently moored in the city harbor. With five decks of fighting platforms, and a handful of dwarven forged cannon on-board, the city is well guarded...
1.
...the Governors of Aeldun have decreed that Silas Bram, a former member of the Prospero Council is to be executed, for crimes against the Free City of Aeldun. His supporters however, have promised retaliation if the execution is carried forward. The Council is requesting additional guards as Silas Bram is brought to Execution House in the middle district of Aeldun...
-or-
...."pssst. Hey. Yes you. No not that...listen, you have the look about you of someone who would appreciate a good story. Well let me tell you about an innocent man named Silas Bram...
The Execution of Silas Bram Employer:Prospero Council -or- Silas Bram's Associates Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: medium Pay: 50g -or- 100g Summary: The Council of Prospero (Aeldun city council) has asked for mercenaries to escort the traitor, Silas Bram to the Execution House to be beheaded. Word has passed around the city that certain friends (among them some members of Prospero Council) would like the execution to be interrupted and Silas freed. Either escort the prisoner to execution, or participate in the raid on the execution party. (write your intentions in your turn orders)
2.
Sir Ivan Borwick is gathering troops to thin the hordes of Malaph Kar, near the port city of Lifah. Gather your men, rendevouz with Sir Ivan Borwick and attack the outlying goblin villages near Lifah... Raid on Lifah Employer:Sir Ivan Borwick of Argac Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:medium-high, goblins, maybe an orc or 2 Pay: 50g + scavenged gear/items Summary: Sir Ivan Borwick is mustering troops across the Free Cities to raid the goblin villages around Muzga. The attack is in response to aggression against merchant vessels traveling across the Lake to Tumunzar in the Kingdom of Naramunz.
3.
...In a grungy tavern near the quays... ..."Come here friend. Yea, have a seat. Ale is on me tonight. Look here, I've word of a Praedish Prince sailing for Assange Keep in the morning. Seems he was meeting with some of the upper-class folk to work out some sort of non-aggression treaty. You and I know those Praedish pricks only know how to lie, steal and kill. Now, his life is protected so long as he remains in these city walls, but boy-o, once that slimy bastard steps onto his own ship-the game is up-and a prince doesn't leave home without the gold, especially not a Praedish one"... Praedish Prey Employer: Fink Blackwater, Human Corsair Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:medium Pay:80g +scavenged items Summary: Sneak onto the Prince's ship, Lost & Flounder and steal everything you can. Try not to kill anyone-might spark a full scale war between Praeda and the Cities. (write your intentions in your orders)
4.
..."those barrels are all fresh water from the Lakes. Aye dwarves piss says I, but the Governor of Larica is taking no chances. Aye, extra supplies in case o' Praedish attack. No doubt coming soon I bet. Wouldn't trust a Praedish Prince as far as I could throw'em.... Aeldun-Larica Caravan Guard Employer:Adem Yeva, water merchant Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:low Pay:30g Summary: Escort the caravan containing barrels of fresh water to the fortress city of Larica.
The sandy shores of Ramor are filled with fisherman, merchants and trading vessels at anchor. A handful of corsair ships are hauled up for repairs in the drydocks. The famous Ramor Lighthouse stands alone on an artificial island some miles off the coast, a beacon for trade ships unfamiliar with the deceptive Innish Sea tides and channels. Back on shore, the city council tends to the affairs of the city from their rocky citadel, Bastion Breakwater. Hundreds of merchant banners hang from the battlements, testament to the number of men represented at council-in truth only a dozen or so truly powerful families hold sway over Ramor, and with it a piece of the Free Cities of Maleah...
1.
...A crowd has gathered near the docks, fishermen, merchants and a few armed mercenaries. An ogre, bound in chains and in a cage is being unloaded from the corsair ship Bric a Brac. The two-headed monster thrashes wildly in his captivity, sending the cage crashing to the ground. The ogre manages to free himself as the crowd scatters in fear. The ogre grabs the nearest object-a large wooden pylon and starts flinging it around wildly, destroying everything in his path...
...The captain of the Bric a Brac, ..."Great crimson crabs, don't kill the bastard! He'll fetch a pretty price in Naramunz! You there! Yea with the weapons and what-not! Take that thing alive and I'll make it worth your while!"...
Kill the Ogre Employer:Ramor City Guard Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: Medium, 1 large upset ogre Pay: 65g Dead ; 105 Alive Summary: Incapacitate the ogre. Either kill him or somehow manage to render him unconscious. (Write your intentions in your orders, the more details the better)
2.
Sir Ivan Borwick is gathering troops to thin the hordes of Malaph Kar, near the port city of Lifah. Gather your men, rendevouz with Sir Ivan Borwick and attack the outlying goblin villages near Lifah... Raid on Lifah Employer:Sir Ivan Borwick of Argac Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:medium-high, goblins, maybe an orc or 2 Pay: 50g + scavenged gear/items Summary: Sir Ivan Borwick is mustering troops across the Free Cities to raid the goblin villages around Muzga. The attack is in response to aggression against merchant vessels traveling across the Lake to Tumunzar in the Kingdom of Naramunz.
3.
....the Broche Family Trading Co. requires the labor of various men & women knowleadgable in the martial practices to escort a caravan north, to the Fortress of Larica. Wages will be payed upon delivery, all traveling expenses will be paid by"...
Ramor-Larica Caravan Guard Employer:Broche Family Trading Co. Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:medium, bandits likely Pay:65g Summary: Escort the caravan of Broche Co. north, past Matoc and on to the Fortress City of Larica.
4.
This mission requires the purchase of a boat, or 15g to rent a barge. ...Aye salted fish, rum, clams and oysters. Food stores bound for Larica. Seems the local Governor is stocking up on food supplies...maybe he suspects something's afoot?...anyways we could use the extra guards, no telling what's lurking over the next wave".... Ramor-Larica Transport Employer: Villem Gar, Human Fish Merchant Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: low, pirates, possibly some sea baddies Pay: 40g Summary: Board a barge and sail with Villem Gars ship along the coast to the Fortress of Larica.
The city of Argac was taken from the Dominion of Malaph Kar during the Great Old Wars. Although partially destroyed during that conquest, the city has risen from the ashes, and become a stable and thriving trade fortress on the frontier of the Free Cities. The monstrous population, although tolerated in certain districts, is still heavily prejudiced. The gladiators in the arena are mostly goblin and orcish criminals, with the odd ogre thrown in for good measure. The cruel governor of Argac, a distant relative of the Baphan ruling families relishes mortal combat, and perpetuates the raids and dissonance between the Free Cities and the Dominion-but it is reciprocal. The hordes of Malaph Kar often ransack and burn the outlying villages near Argac...
1.
Posted at the City Arena Office, ATTENTION MEN at ARMS & Cert. MERCENARIES, The Governor of Argac is seeking the service of moral and fair men & women to provide security for an important person(s) attending the ARENA MATCH forthecoming. NO VIOLENCE is expected, but certain ROWDY PUNTERS may be in need of PUNITIVE MEASURES. Inquire within....
Arena Security Employer:The City Arena Office Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:Low-rabble rousers in the crowd Pay:35g Summary: Provide extra security for V.I.P's at the arena match.
2.
Sir Ivan Borwick is gathering troops to thin the hordes of Malaph Kar, near the port city of Lifah. Gather your men, rendevouz with Sir Ivan Borwick and attack the outlying goblin villages near Lifah... Raid on Lifah Employer:Sir Ivan Borwick of Argac Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger:medium-high, goblins, maybe an orc or 2 Pay: 50g + scavenged gear/items Summary: Sir Ivan Borwick is mustering troops across the Free Cities to raid the goblin villages around Muzga. The attack is in response to aggression against merchant vessels traveling across the Lake to Tumunzar in the Kingdom of Naramunz.
3.
...You lads lookin' to make some extra coin this month? We've reports from the outlying villages of goblin raids, wargs and wolves and what-not. We could use some extra muscle for our patrol...pays not bad either...
Goblin Patrol Employer: Argac City Watch Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: medium, goblin raiders Pay: 50g Summary: Join the city patrol and eliminate any goblin raiders you find.
4.
...."where we'll cross into the Kar's domininon. Shouldn't be a problem, those passes are not well known...besides, what's a few orcs compared to you lot?"... Argac-Taramunz Caravan Employer: Igor Jek, Human Trader Reputation:+0 Enemies/Danger: medium, orcish patrols Pay: 70g Summary: Transport a shipment of cloth, salted pork, and weapons north, to the Dwarven city of Taramunz. Cross the mountain passes and avoid orcish patrols.
Save for the sound of its mercs training outside and the sound of the guard arm wrestling with the commander, the main office of Durwith and Lorges was completely silent. It was this kind of almost-silence that put Durwith Bronzebeard in an industrious state, he was burning through the work on his desk like it was nobody's business. If he knew of this effect, Durwith would set the warriors standing idle to training and have Orthog arm wrestle Hamhock a lot more frequently. It was then that Durwith's twin brother and co-founder of their menace extermination firm walked through the front door of the office. "Brother" Lorges said happily "I found work for us". "What did you find?" Durwith asked without looking up from his work. "Your favourite fish monger is shipping some of his fine product to Larica" Lorges said "He's made it known that he's paying for protection. And you know that ogre that was being shipped in today?". "Let me guess" Durwith said as he pulled out 2 sheets of parchment and began writing orders on them "It escaped it's cage at the harbour and is now rampaging through the city". "You took the words straight out of my mouth, brother" Lorges said. "And I'm guessing its owner wants the thing brought down alive and is willing to pay for its recapture on top of the money the city guard will pay to whoever beats it as a token of gratitude" Durwith said. "I did hear the ogre's owner tell the leader of Henry's Hooligans that he'd make it worth their while if they took it alive. I reckon they're ogre food by now". "If he can't keep his beasts locked up, he doesn't deserve them" Durwith said as he finished writing the orders "Look lively, Orthog. You're needed".
Mercs: Orthog Robber's Bane. Shinon Star Hands. Stumpy Quick Bow. Jacoby. Loreth. Orders: There's an ogre rampaging in the city. You lot have to track it down and kill it before it can cause too much damage. And if you happen to see the thing's owner, tell him to invest in stronger metals for his chains and cages the next time he tries to transport ogres.
Mercs: Dunwall Iron Shield. Baldrin. Arron. Enenra. Orders: In my opinion, Villem Gar sells the best fish in the city. Now Lorges tells me he's shipping his product to Larica. Pirate attacks are bad for business, so I want you to rent a barge and guard that cargo with your very lives. Understand? Also if you get the chance, tell Villem that I'd like pilchards this week and that the cod I ordered last week was as marvelous as it always is.
Eaton, Sutherland, Kingdom of Raxas Eaton Cutlery Company "Don't go anywhere!" the six foot Gunnar Løfgren said to his friends. "I'm going to check the postins at city hall." Gunnar looked at the faces of his recently formed Eaton Cutlery Company. Everyone understood what was at stake. They all agreed to join him in this venture and were willing to do what it takes to make the company succeed. They sat quietly around the table in the center of the room rendering the fish stare as Gunnar walked out the door.
"I hope he finds a job for us," Seth Bergstrom allowed the words to slip from his lips. Everyone was thinking the same thing. Maybe it didn't need saying. Maybe it was universally understood. But the words were out there and no one would dispute them. This is what they all signed up for. Let's see what sort of trouble they could get into.
"What will he bring back?" Bjørn Fisker, the youngest and largest of the group asked. "I think it will be a caravan escort. Probably head up to Raxas City or Wellspring. Maybe send us south to Reford or one of them coastal places like Middlesboro, Lyecester or Murky Banks.
"I hope to god it ain't Murky Banks," Manfred Engman blurted out. "I nearly got killed the last time I was in that god awful scrum of a pit."
"Yea, wasn't that were you was boinkin' the constable's ole lady. He came home and caught you right in the middle of the deed?!" Seth spoke with a smile. The group all burst into laughter.
Manfred simply hung head low. "You got me! Not one of my better days."
Meanwhile at the City Center, Gunnar witnessed a crowd. He overheard someone speaking, "...aye he was a big bastard. Green skin. Tusks. Black fur running right down his spine. I don't know-never seen one like that a'fore. Carried a big nasty hammer. A couple o' smaller ones were dashin' at his feet. Anyway, them took a couple pigs, a few chickens, a cow, me wife. Ah well. Get'em back if you can!" The man who spoke appeared to be distraught and out of sorts. He was talking to the crowd, but no one seemed to take him up on his offer.
"What say you, man?" Gunnar asked the farmer.
The Shreeve of Sutherland stood by listening as the farmer spoke. "I believe you heard the good fellow clearly. I will pay fifty gold to any group who can render justice upon this rogue of an Orc Outlaw and his heathen band of goblins. Return the farmer's possessions and his wife. You will duly compensated. The farmer will throw in a few vials of medicine along with my bounty if you are successful."
"Aye, my lord," Gunnar responded to the offer of employment. "I have a company that can complete this task. Any idea on what direction they are heading?"
"They are believed to be heading north toward Wellspring or maybe down towards the River Trys. They've left quite a trail and don't appear to be shy about the mess they have left behind. You should have no difficulty finding them."
"I will take your job offer, Shreeve," Gunnar spoke to the City Elder. Then he looked at the farmer, "I will return your possessions as best I can; your wife as well, my good man." Then Gunnar turned and headed back toward the company office for the Eaton Cutlery Company.
Just as Gunnar turned back away from the city center, he heard a scream that stopped him in his tracks. An elder priest from the Church of St. Borthis wept indiscernibly. Gunnar was able to understand some of what he screamed, "...some damn fool has gone and stolen the Statue of St. Borthis the Bold from the Church...Saw him lugging it into the woods a few hours ago. Hurry! And you can catch him before he reaches the river..."
Gunnar looked at the priest. "I will look for your bleeding statue as well, reverend. If I don't return with it right away, I will go back out for it."
"It was Crazy Tuck and his gang of hooligans. They couldn't have gone far. They were quite intoxicated," the priest uttered.
"I got it reverend. Let me go get my boys. We'll head out within the hour." As Gunnar resumed his walk to the office, the boys wrestled in the courtyard.
The office was a two story edifice with an open area in the middle of the structure. The open area was used more often than not as a place for the members of the company to train. They practiced various fighting styles, armed and unarmed in the courtyard. Today, they were sparring with bare knuckles.
Seth and Bjørn faced one another dancing in a circle around one another. Seth sent two jabs at Bjørn who dodged both aptly. As soon as the second jab missed, he unleashed a heavy right cross that connected with the left side of his head. It was enough to whip the young man's head back. Bjørn shook it off and came back at Seth with three jabs in rapid succession, a right upper cut that caught Seth in the chin and two more jabs.
Seth spat blood upon the dust just as Gunnar entered the courtyard, "Get your gear, boys! I got us a mission!"
