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Post by nats on Oct 2, 2011 8:08:48 GMT -5
To join this rp please post here------- Slowly the king surveyed those assembled before him. While not all were here as he wished, he was sure that they would arrive soon, or would meet the party. He shifted his position to take them all in. While he would miss the bodyguard he was sending with them, of all those in the land he was the best.
He could see the more silently stoic one chosen as the warrior. While it would be questionable if he still had such skills, it was a gamble he was willing to take. Such was the desperation of the kingdom. There were many questions that were yet to be answered. Nearby was someone he was unsure of hiring, but his reputation had come before him - it was a measure of desperation. This being the Gnoll, his name he couldn't remember currently, he just remembered it being something like 'the savage'. Finally there was one of the two requested magic users. The offensive one.
He couldn't afford to wait much longer. Couldn't afford to delay. Slowly he shifted in his throne looking over them all one last time before he spoke. "I have gathered you here today to present you with a request, to solve a problem troubling not just my own kingdom, but those already taken and subjected to the evil rule that has overtaken these once fair lands," he started. Sakwa was stood silent keeping close to the shadows, one hand rested on the hilts of each weapon. Brown eyes glittered in the torch light as he kept up his silent regard of everything around him. He had already observed those of his companions, trying to ascertain who was who. Who could be useful on the battle field, who would hinder. He was garbed as usual, not even bothering to remove the mud off his boots. While one eye was kept half closed by the scar passing through it, he still retained sight in that eye by sheer luck alone. His face remained composed, a quiet stoney mask unless you saw the warring emotions in his eyes. Discomfort, and fear warring for dominance, no matter how calm an expression he kept. However he had answered the call, he couldn't betray his kingdom in its time of need. No matter how much he no longer trusted himself after his failure in battle, he had to assist. He'd sworn his oath, and he would keep it. While he was the only survivor of his once proud unit, surely that made it more important. It wasn't only his honor at stake, but also the honour of those who had served along side him. With their death he couldn't betray them. As the king started to speak he turned full attention to him, attentive in his own silent way. From that point on everyone around him was irrelevant, the king would hold his attention
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NK
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Post by NK on Oct 3, 2011 18:46:06 GMT -5
Gnaw was pleased to be out of that stinking prison, not that he really liked the smell of this place. Human royalty either washed too much or too little, but the variety of flowery scents burned his nostrils. Sure he had gotten to see the sun for the first time in a month which was nice but then he had been dragged directly to this place to hear this fool's request. He was not even out of his handcuffs yet. The clumsily built shackles were hardly a fit for his wide wrists and Gnaw uncomfortably shook them often, making unnecessarily loud clanking noises.
Gnaw glanced around at the others gathered here while the King spoke. All humans, it figured. The creatures bred like rats and raised towns, cities and kingdoms upon lands not even theirs. He would go take his talents elsewhere if it was not such ridiculously easy money in these lands. Humans went apart easily and paid piles upon piles of gold to see others of their own kind felled.
Gnaw turned his head to the King when he was done with his short introduction to their purpose to being here. Gnaw went over the facts in his head, at least as he saw them. Some stupid person, most likely another human, had been causing trouble in their many kingdoms and greedily marching his armies forward to take over more and more land. The response of this guy in front was apparently to form a ragtag group out of the most random people that possessed a recognizable level of skill in killing other humans. What a mess. It sounded so far like the moment they were out of that door it would be a free for all and then he would be back in prison.
If he was going to be part of this war, Gnaw wondered if he should just go join the winning side rather than waste time here. Then again he appeared still to be a captive, but maybe that could be fixed now. He figured to stop worrying as he would give himself a headache and just concentrated on what mattered most.
"What do you pay?" Gnaw asked boldly while staring up at the King, his face showing nothing but disinterest. It was the single line he tended to need to use when he was being hired. He figured a king was rich and so would be able to make this little trip well worth his while.
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Hešen
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Post by Hešen on Oct 3, 2011 20:10:25 GMT -5
It had been he who had actually the courtesy and respect to actually, you know, bow before the King on entry. Hešen had shook his head and rolled his eyes before standing at full attention, both arms clasped at his lower back and his head slightly lowered in deference as the King spoke. The expression on his face was completely calm and neutral, not one hint of emotion showed on his fine features. Such was to be expected of him of course, the King doesn't need to know what you are feeling, he gives you the decree, you follow it, end of story.
Hešen had heard of this situation already, or at least that something was up. The Imperial Guard were not always updated on all the details for the army - or maybe it was just he who was not being updated - but there had certainly been tension within the ranks and a lot more sucking up to the Generals than usual.
So, it looks like war, or at least they seemed to be on the verge of it. Though it seemed odd to him, his eyes quickly scanned over the assembled ragtag team here, if this is so threatening to the Kingdom, why were this lot being sent after them and not the army? Who were this lot anyway - a human who seemed to be keeping himself distant, a Gnoll in prison chains who only seemed interested in money, and what looks to be a Wizard. The army consisted of warriors, of battlemages, of healers and chanters, mounted archers, what could this lot do that they could not? This was what was going through Hešen's mind, though of course he dare not speak it aloud unless his thoughts were strictly asked for.
Hešen stood silently now, awaiting the continuation of the King's order.
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Post by SaberSword115 on Oct 4, 2011 1:07:56 GMT -5
Kasira was a part of the crowd listening to the King's speech. He wasn't a very good listener but the threat of evil on his home land made him listen with extra care. The King started with what pretty much everyone was expecting, that the surrounding land was being taken over by evil.
Kasira listened to the words of the King, feeling that the words had particular importance to him. He probably wouldn't even be here if it was some other land in danger of being taken over but it wasn't some other land, it was his home land.
As the King took a pause, Kasira looked at the people surrounding him. Most of them were men but that's not to say their wasn't any women. In fact, as Kasira moved from his close surrounding to further away, there was a group composed only of women. Swords, knives and daggers, surrounded him. He felt his head was about to be chopped off. Not that it was possible, as Kasira was taller then anyone around him.
With this brief look at his surroundings, the King had started speaking again and once again, he turned his head towards the King.
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Post by nats on Oct 4, 2011 2:09:53 GMT -5
A smile showed on the kings face at Hešen's bow. He knew he would miss him, and not just as a bodyguard. He had just been about to speak when Gnaw had spoken. However his face remained impassive, his thought chains unbroken. He chose to not answer that question yet, he could learn patience. Such outbursts would get him nowhere.
"You may wonder why you have been chosen, and why I didn't just send the army in. The answer is, to send the army in now would open these lands to invasion, they struggle to keep the enemy back as it is. However, where a large force may fail, a smaller force stands the chance of success. You have been chosen for your particular skills you possess, for if you work together you can overcome all in your path," a pause there was to draw breath.
"None of you know who each of you are though, and how can trust be built on a lack of knowledge of each other? Sakwa, you were once a great general, and you are a hero to our realm, I am glad you came - for as a warrior your skills are second to none and you possess the basic knowledge of field medicine to treat most wounds," he paused using a simple gesture to command him to step forward to let the others know just who that one was. Slowly, almost reluctant to be thrust into such limelight Sakwa had stepped forward at the gesture bowing to the king "You give me honour more then I deserve," he stated quietly, only just masking bitterness to his voice. Only just keeping his voice emotionless. He loathed himself for the mistakes made. He blamed himself as well, feeling he should have known better. While he also knew nothing could adjust the past, and that he could have done nothing differently, he still wished that it hadn't happened. That he'd been able to save them. To be considered a hero when so many others had died? That to him was wrong. He was relieved to return to the shadows keeping his weapons close to hand. He glanced around at the others, curious who they were, taking them in once more. He'd already mentally decided that the Gnoll would be trouble. The bodyguard, he was indifferent towards. He wouldn't try and get close to him, but nor would he try and keep away from him. The other, presumably the mage? While he tried to keep his thoughts unbiased, he didn't particularly like how he'd retreated to the women. It could mean trouble later on. "Also joining the company, something he should be pleased of my mercy for allowing, is a Gnoll, I believe he likes the name 'The Savage', he should prove to be a great asset as a warrior, if he can keep his mind off money," the king continued giving him a hard look.
"We have one of my own trusted bodyguards joining your party as the archer, that would be Hešen, finally providing offensive magic is the mage Kasira," he finished. "Others will be joining your party, including a healer, a thief and one who specialises in defensive magic, as much as I would like to delay for their arrival, I cannot. The realm is in danger as it is, we must start to move quickly.
Your orders are simple, you are to gain access to the evil overlord in his stronghold of Kheras, and take his life, how doesn't matter. The way will be treacherous, with many battles, yet should you pull together as a team all will work out. Horses will be provided for those who need them, should a successful return with a completed mission be seen through - not only will you have saved the lands of Raegos, but you will also earn great money and honour to your names," he finished pausing debating who to cast as leader.
While Sakwa had the record as the leader, even he could read the reluctance in his eyes. Hešen on the other hand had never proven himself as a leader of men, yet this could be the chance for him to do so. "You are free to decide upon yourselves who the leader should be, however decide quickly and don't divide among yourselves, for to be divided would be certain death," he finished. "Leave as soon as you may, provisions await you at the stables,"
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NK
New Member
Yes.
Posts: 13
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Post by NK on Oct 4, 2011 13:16:50 GMT -5
Had he just been assigned to a group of human soldiers and a mage without being provided with anything else but a destination? Gnaw was not particularly pleased with this situation. He growled when the King was done and stared down at his handcuffs. The burly Gnoll began pulling his arms apart from each other till the shackles exploded apart into tiny pieces of metal all over the floor.
He gazed angrily up at the King and pointed the index finger of his right hand at the man. "What is this S**T!" He bellowed at the human royalty. "You expect that just because you've brought me from captivity to this place, you can simply send me hitchhiking with these fools all the way to f****ing Kheras?" The Gnoll pointed at the other humans with his hand when he mentioned them. His voice seemed to just keep getting louder as his anger grew.
"Not only have you promised us naught but certain end unless we 'work together'," he made sure to make his voice whiny at the work together part as he repeated what the king had said, "But you also appear to only be providing me a freaking mule from your stables, as if that's enough." He had made it clear at the start he needed more of an incentive than patriotism and doing the kingdom a favor. He owed nothing to the rulers of man. The Gnoll currently was just wearing dirty rags he had been provided with at the prison after his weapons and armor had been confiscated.
His voice settled as he had vented most of his cripes, but he still spoke sternly. "If I disagree, you'll probably just send me back to rot in that prison, whereas if I agree I can just follow these weaklings around till I get bored enough to slaughter them all and go my own way anyway. How about coming up with an incentive to make me not kill you and these men here and now."
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Post by SaberSword115 on Oct 4, 2011 14:36:34 GMT -5
"Gnaw! Calm down!" said Kasira, sternly to Gnaw, "do you want this beautiful land to be ruined by the evil? The evil will surely kill us all."
Kasira sighed. "But we must not fight for the king has put his trust in us, all of us." Kasira continued. "We alone have to find a way to stop the evil that's spreading. We cannot afford to lose and we cannot afford to lose a talented warrior such as yourself, Gnaw."
Kasira turned his back to the group and faced the direction of the stable where the horses would be waiting. "The king has kindly given us some supplies and horses. We must not delay any longer."
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Hešen
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Post by Hešen on Oct 4, 2011 14:55:26 GMT -5
Hešen had given a curt nod in response to his mention by the King, acknowledging the introduction in kind. Well, his strategy did make sense, advancing a small team in an assassination attempt, but four complete strangers? Alright, so perhaps the name Sakwa did ring a bell, he had heard of 'General Sakwa' being a name used even by his father. Hešen had certainly the need then to actually give the man another look, curious as to why such a man was trying to keep himself hidden.
An ear twitched at the sound coming from the Gnoll's mouth, and he sharply turned at this, a delicately sculpted eye was giving irritated twitches as the rude speech continued. His fingers twitched then, itching to take his bow from his back and turn the creature into a pincushion for his words, and that is what he would have indeed done had he come any closer to the King than he currently was.
Before 'You would rather walk all the way then?' could manage to escape his mouth, it seems that someone else decided to take the berating of the Gnoll into his own hands. Hešen's gaze immediately switched to the young wizard, and once more his eye twitch resumed. "You speak out of turn child." Came his firm voice, "How dare you before the King."
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Post by nats on Oct 4, 2011 15:07:23 GMT -5
Sakwa gave a hmph noise slowly stepping forward both eyes glistening in a barely contained fury. "Look at all of you already, bickering among yourselves like children. You whatever your name is," yes he's fixed Gnaw with a glare at this "Know well that you just ruined any plans you may have in your own foolishness. Should you not wish for one of the horses you need only say, I am sure that they would be grateful not to have to bear such a weight on their back, your weapons will no doubt be waiting for you - or is your brain too simple to think of such a matter? As for reward... I forgot your race believes money is far more important, You will be rewarded, if you survive," he stated.
"Kasira, your intentions were indeed good, but do not believe you can control such a fool with words, oft will a tongue like his get itself into trouble rather then anything else, far wiser is it to ignore one such as him. Do not allow him to drag you down, as a mage surely you should know better then to let this happen - or are you still too much of a child," he finished.
He bowed to the king briefly before turning on his heel "I will be awaiting the childish bickering to cease at the stables preparing to leave, I know my orders, now they are to be fulfilled," he finished before he strode out.
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NK
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Yes.
Posts: 13
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Post by NK on Oct 4, 2011 15:33:17 GMT -5
Gnaw? The Gnoll turned to look at the two warriors, but neither had spoken that name. He then gazed at the supposed mage. Gnaw looked extremely puzzled as he stared at the magician, as if trying to process if that actually happened. Of all the humans here, it was actually that one that had dared to raise his tongue first. The Gnoll did not stop to ponder how he knew that nickname, even the king only recognized him by his murderous title - The Savage. What occupied Gnaw's mind now was the utter and total rage he felt for the magician, for several reasons. Firstly Gnaw had seen him as the feeble weak one, making it silly to think he would give any advice or orders, and secondly... He actually bore magic. That dreaded power that bred his painful history.
"...What did you say to me?" He was really not taking it kindly. Gnaw turned instantly away from the King, finding something he wanted to kill more. The beast began stomping right for the Mage with the complete intention of ripping that tongue out of him and shoving it back down his throat. He flexed his fingers, his sharp claws eager for something to shred.
Gnaw grinned as one of the other humans told off the mage, more encouraged to just deal away with him. His claws stopped in the middle of reaching out for the robed man however, and his head slowly turned to look at the one speaking now. He was distracted enough to let this moment slide. The thoughts of a king being able to pay well for his services, and promise of his belongings returning to him, were quite satisfying.
The Gnoll pulled back his hands and stood up straight. He looked at the King and spat on the floor. "It all better be there." He growled and turned to look at Kasira. He would deal with this one later, getting his weapons took priority now. The Gnoll bumped purposely on Kasira's side, or at least attempted to, as he marched out after the peeved human. If the man was wrong and proper equipment would not be in the stables, he would just march back in here after that idiot of a king.
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Hešen
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Post by Hešen on Oct 4, 2011 16:00:05 GMT -5
Hešen shook his head silently, quite pleased in some ways that he was not the only one who had the idea of suggesting that Gnaw walked if he was that reluctant to park his rear on a horse. Still, he wasn't even bickering, and if that man that had just gone off on those two is indeed the General Sakwa he had heard about, then he had gotten off lightly on that one. At all times, one must stick to their station, their lives belong to the King after all, such displays could cost you dearly.
He stood in silence while listening to the responses, to his normal position of hands clasped at his lower back, watching Gnaw and Kasira to ensure that there was no ripping out of throats or mysteriously appearing magic missiles between the two. Such is not to be permitted in the court, and would indeed result in two pincushions in order to protect the King, as was his duty.
In seeing the Gnoll's mind switching to the prospect of a reward, Hešen stopped twitching his hand that had unconsciously drifted up toward his quiver and silently watched him follow Sakwa out of the room. His gaze switched from the exiting Gnoll and over to the wizard, a warning look about the near fight that seemed to have almost happened. Brown eyes slid away not long after and he turned on his heel, fully kowtowing to the King before turning to leave himself.
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Post by SaberSword115 on Oct 4, 2011 16:09:19 GMT -5
Kasira turned to look at who bumped into him. He wasn't at all surprised to see it was Gnaw. He was disliking the Gnoll more and more.
"You better stick to the rules, Gnaw. I haven taken into account what Sakwa has said but believe me, if I see you breaking any rules or stepping out of line, let's just say hitting you with my staff will be letting you off easy. For you see, I don't know if any magic lives in your kind but I have magic only you could dream off and one chant could see you burning in a cloud of fire." Kasira smiled at Gnaw's expression.
Having said what he wanted to say, Kasira allowed Gnaw to go in front of him while he took the rear. Kasira yawned. It had been quite a dramatic day, after all but finally he had some time to think. "Even magicians can't see into the future" his dad would say to him but he didn't need to use magic to know that the future would be dangerous, clouded with unknown and stepping into the unknown and conquering it would be the easy part. Defeating the evil, that would be our eventual goal and undoubtedly, many will fall.
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Post by nats on Oct 4, 2011 16:25:14 GMT -5
A quiet sigh escaped Sakwa as he spent time in the stable with his horse. He didn't want to be in such a group if he was honest. But the king had called. He had to obey his oath. If this meant handling such a group so be it. He'd already arranged that the horse put aside for the Gnoll was the designated pack horse now with the guards and had the provisions loaded on it that were extra.
Now he just rested his head against his horses neck. He could feel the black brutes quiet content breaths as he waited fully tacked up. His eyes closed trying to calm his temper. The Gnolls full provisions were indeed set out in a heap by the guards, other provisions placed into equal sized heaps either to be added to their pack horse or to be carried on person.
He felt thrust into the leader role, even though he had no desire to take that role. He gave a soft sigh.
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NK
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Yes.
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Post by NK on Oct 4, 2011 17:09:37 GMT -5
Gnaw froze in his spot when that mage spoke again. Not only was it a bad time after he had already intended to kill the man once, the choice of words seemed perfectly selected to get Gnaw to kill him.
Gnaw quickly turned around and leaped directly at the human, just a few steps behind him still. He opened his mouth wide and turned his head so his teeth would open Kasira's neck instantly upon contact and kill him.
In Gnaw's knowledge a magician had to take their time to prepare their spells, like through a combination of silly words. He figured the element of surprise and speed of his reaction would overcome any skill the human had in his strange arts.
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Hešen
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Post by Hešen on Oct 5, 2011 8:37:26 GMT -5
Oh no you didn't! Hešen looked up just in time to see the Gnoll heading straight back in through the door he was just about to exit out of. He quickly ran aside, lest he gets eight foot of fur squishing him as it went past, back to the door now, watching him. It is like these two WANT to start a fight in the Throne Room, thank Abka Hehe the King had left! Hrm, to leave them to it or to deal with them both? The King absolutely abhorred the carrying of weapons in the Throne Room, let alone using them in there, and if he did decide to teach them a painful lesson, he'd be the one grabbed by the hair and forced to clean up the blood before they left. But of they made their own mess...
Hešen sighed, rolled his eyes and turned toward the open door, silently exiting through it and on his way to the stables. Let them two sort out their own problems, and clean up their own remains. Silently, he made his way there, and will be happy to see that Sakwa was indeed already there. At least someone had a level head in this place.
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